DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR AG PRODUCERS APPLYING FOR HANDS-ON SUPPORT THROUGH USDA’S RURAL DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM

The applications deadline has been extended by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development for grants to provide funds for hands-on assistance for agricultural producers applying for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Funding for the hands-on assistance is provided through the Inflation Reduction Act and advances the Presidents Investing in America Agenda.

Through the Inflation Reduction Act, approximately $1.3 billion was made available in REAP funding through USDA since December 2022. This funding is aimed at lowering energy costs and improving energy efficiency in rural areas. Now, the Administration is providing $16 million in additional grants through the REAP Technical Assistance Grants (TAG) Program to allow USDA’s Rural Development State Offices more flexibility to award new technical assistance grants, increase outreach, and hire additional staff to support the program.

Recipients eligible for the REAP TAG program include state, local, and tribal governments; colleges and universities; for-profit and non-profit organizations, and electric cooperatives. This funding is geared to support growers and small businesses in the application process for REAP funds for wind, solar, and other renewable energy systems.

Funds can be used for:

• Assisting rural agriculture producers and small businesses through the application process for REAP funding,
• Provide guidance to agricultural producers and small business owners on how to improve energy efficiency, and utilize renewable resources and technology,
• Perform energy assessments and audits required by the program,
• Assist in renewable energy and/or energy efficiency project planning, construction, and development, and
• Help agricultural producers and small business owners in the completion of the required environmental reports and documentation necessary to apply for REAP.

DEADLINE FOR REAP TAG APPLICATIONS IS EXTENDED TO MARCH 21, 2024 AT 11:59 P.M. ET. For more information and submission details go here.

For more information on the Inflation Reduction Act, go here.

Looking for more information on rural area investment resources, go here or contact the USDA Rural Development State Office near you.