US Department of Agriculture Announces More than $4 Million in Funding for 26 Renewable Energy Projects in Michigan

Lansing, MI — The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced $124 million in renewable energy and fertilizer production projects in 44 states. This investment is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s clean energy plan, which is bringing clean energy jobs and investment to the United States at an unprecedented pace and scale, while also helping protect our health and climate. The plan is empowering Americans in big cities and small towns to benefit from the clean energy transition 

 Money for the 26 projects being funded in Michigan comes from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The Biden-Harris administration’s clean energy plan included $2 billion in funding for REAP, which helps rural Americans expand their use of wind, solar, and other forms of clean energy. Michigan-based projects receiving funding in this latest round include Thelen Inc., a car dealer operating in an underserved area of Michigan, and Elmer’s County Market, an independently owned grocery store operating in a disadvantaged area of the Upper Peninsula. Hearty Fresh Inc., a fruit and vegetable canning facility, is expected to save $109,053 per year through its solar photovoltaic system, while Homestead Orchards LLC, a family-owned apple orchard, is expected to save $33,170 per year.

In November 2023, $8.1 million in REAP grant funding was awarded to 46 Michigan farmers, ranchers, and businesses to invest in renewable energy, upgrade to energy-efficient equipment, and cut their energy costs.  Under the Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access Program, the 2020 Farmers Cooperative received funding to support historically underserved farmers in overcoming core barriers to attaining access to land, capital, market opportunities, and technical resources in Michigan and six other states. The Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access Program is funded by the administration’s clean energy plan.

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