More than $1 million in federal grants is going to support farming in Tennessee through the Rural Energy for America Program. As announced by the U. S. Department of Agriculture in November, the REAP grants will benefit five poultry farms and two beef cattle farms that provide food for America’s dinner tables. The grants can boost their agriculture businesses by helping them conserve energy and/or add clean, renewable energy production that cuts their utility bill costs.
The largest of these energy grants for Tennessee farms are awarded to Jenny Farm LLC and Shades Farm LLC in Bradford. These poultry farms each have over $335,000 in grant funds earmarked to cover a portion of a 250-kilowatt solar installation estimated to generate enough clean energy to power 25 homes.
In addition to REAP grants for farms, another $2.4 million is awarded to rural, small businesses in Tennessee for energy projects. These businesses range from Volunteer Energy Cooperative which is upgrading lighting and fans, to a nail salon, to a fitness center and to multiple manufacturers.
The next deadlines for these up-to-50% energy grants are December 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025. See details here on how to apply and which projects might be eligible. These grants have been funded so generously in recent years because of the Inflation Reduction Act.
See a detailed list of nationwide award-winners here: Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable and Energy Efficiency Program
Anne Brock is marketing coordinator for Solar Alliance, which designs and manages solar installation projects for large manufacturers and small businesses. She can be reached at abrock@solaralliance.com or 865-221-8349.
