You are invited to learn more about two exciting producer- and small business-oriented grant programs by attending an information session sponsored by USDA Rural Development from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 26. The session will be conducted via the statewide Iowa Communications Network (ICN) and broadcast at 25 locations throughout the state.
A full listing of site locations can be found at the end of this article. Topics include section 9006 Renewable Energy System and Energy Efficiency Improvement Grants and Value-Added Producer Grants.
The renewable energy and energy efficiency program provides grants and guaranteed loan funds to farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses looking to finance renewable energy or energy efficiency projects.
Eligible energy projects include solar (small and large), biomass, anaerobic digesters, geothermal (including electric generation and direct use), as well as hydrogen, wind (small and large) and energy efficiency.
What kinds of projects will qualify?
Examples of energy efficiency projects might be upgrading electric motors in equipment, insulation, upgrading electrical systems, heating systems or ventilation systems, replacement grain dryers, and upgrading lighting systems and controls.
Last month, USDA Rural Development announced that 37 Iowa producers and businesses were recipients of $5.7 million in grant funds from the 2005 renewable energy and energy efficiency program. These 37 recipients in Iowa represent one quarter of the nation’s total recipients, as well as 27% of the total grant funds provided nationwide.
The Value-Added Producer Grant program was authorized by the Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000 and the 2002 Farm Bill. Grants are available to independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures.
The grants can be used for planning activities needed to establish a viable value-added marketing opportunity for an agricultural product or for acquiring working capital to operate a value-added business venture that will allow producers to better compete in domestic and international markets.
Iowa is a leading recipient of this money
In the five years of the Value-Added Producer Grant program, USDA Rural Development has awarded more than $16 million in grants in Iowa, assisting 84 projects representing independent producers and producer groups.
For more information about the information session, or about either the renewable energy, the energy efficiency or the value-added producer grant programs, contact the USDA Rural Development State Office at (515) 284-4714. Or visit a Rural Development Area Office in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.
Information on rural development programs is available at your local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting www.rurdev.usda.gov/ia/rbs.html.
Site Locations for Oct. 26 ICN broadcast
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Algona |
Iowa Lakes Community College, 2111 Hwy 169 North |
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Atlantic |
Public Library, 507 Poplar St. |
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Boone |
Boone-Ericson Public Library, 402 Greene Street |
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Burlington |
Burlington High School, 421 Terrace Drive |
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Calmar |
Calmar-South Winneshiek High School, 203 West S Street |
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Carroll |
Carroll High School, 2809 N. Grant Road |
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Centerville |
National Guard Armory, Dewey Road |
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Clarinda |
Mental Health Facility, 1800 North 16th |
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Creston |
Creston-Gibson Public Library, 310 N Maple |
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Des Moines |
Department of Education, Grimes Bldg, 400 East 14th Street |
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Dubuque |
Dubuque Forum, 2300 Chaney, 2nd Floor |
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Fairfield |
National Guard Armory, 1501 W Stone Avenue |
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Independence |
Mental Health Facility, 2277 Iowa Avenue |
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Iowa Falls |
Iowa Falls High School, 1903 Taylor |
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LeMars |
Le Mars High School, 921 3rd Avenue SW |
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Mason City |
Mason City High School, 1700 Fourth SE |
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Oskaloosa |
Oskaloosa Public Library, 301 South Market |
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Pocahontas |
Pocahontas High School, 205 Second Avenue NW |
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Rock Rapids |
Rock Rapids EMS, 1105 Story Street |
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Spencer |
Iowa Lakes Community College, 1950 Grand Avenue |
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Tipton |
Tipton High School, 400 East 6th Street |
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Toledo |
Toledo Juvenile Home, 701 South Church St. |
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Waverly |
Waverly High School, 1400 Fourth Avenue SW |
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Williamsburg |
Williamsburg High School |
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Woodbine |
Woodbine High School, 501 Weare Street |