LEWISTON – A free information workshop about the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program and the Value-Added Producer Grant Program will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, at the Lewiston City Hall first floor Council Chambers, 27 Pine St.

The program will be hosted by the Time and Tide Resource Conservation and Development Area Organization in conjunction with the USDA Rural Development Agency, the City of Lewiston and the Lewiston Energy Saving Committee. John Sheehan and Mike Grondin from the Bangor USDA Rural Development Agency Office will be the guest speakers.

REAP offers grants, guaranteed loans and combination grant/guaranteed loans to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.

VAPG provides grant funds (50 percent matching funds required) to agricultural producers for planning activities and working capital expenses for developing a value-added agricultural product project.

The workshop is geared towards small business owners and/or farmers who may be interested in reducing energy costs, generating their own “green power” or are looking for new ways to increase the viability of their business/farm.

Seating is limited and those interested should contact the Time and Tide Resource Conservation and Development Area office by Friday, March 20, at 622-7847, ext. 4 or e-mail [email protected].