U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos announced more than $170,000 in grants to local farmers and rural small businesses through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America Program.
The grants are a piece of a larger effort by USDA to combat climate impacts on family farmers and make rural communities more resilient, according to a news release from Bustos.
“The 21st century brings challenges and new opportunities to our ag economy – and support for family farmers is essential as we prepare for the future,” she said. ”I’m so pleased that eleven agribusinesses and family farms in Northwest and Central Illinois will be receiving more than $170,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve energy efficiency. This federal funding will bring cost savings and modernize these important operations.”
In the Sauk Valley, Smith Farming Corporation in Carroll County will receive $25,915, and Glynis Port in Whiteside County will receive $5,060.
The Rural Energy for America Program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy-efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.
Source: The Daily Chronicle
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