BANGOR — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that rural agricultural producers and small business owners can now apply for resources to purchase and install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements.

These efforts help farmers, ranchers and other small business owners save money on their energy bills, reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil, support America’s clean energy economy and cut carbon pollution. These resources are made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill.

“The funding we are making available will help farmers, ranchers, business owners, tribal organizations and other entities incorporate renewable energy and energy efficiency technology into their operations,” Vilsack said. “Doing so can help a business reduce energy use and costs while improving its bottom line.”

USDA Rural Development State Director Virginia Manuel said, “This vital energy program can help Maine businesses make a significant difference in lessening their carbon footprint, reducing the generation of overall carbon emissions in our state while helping to substantially cut their operational costs. These savings enable our REAP recipients to gain a competitive advantage by decreasing their operating expenses. I strongly encourage eligible businesses to apply.”

In Rural Energy for America Program grant funding for Maine in 2015, $163,000 is available for grants $20,000 and less, and $1,089,000 is available for grants over $20,000.

Examples of recent funding recipients under REAP include Mt. Abram ski area and Cozy Acres Greenhouse. Mt. Abram, in Greenwood, utilized a REAP grant in the amount of $235,000 to install an 803 solar photovoltaic system that will generate 70 percent of energy needs at the ski area. It is a first at a ski area in Maine, and the second largest solar system at a ski area in the country.

Cozy Acres Greenhouse in North Yarmouth received a grant in the amount of $48,750 for solar and geothermal systems to create the first net-zero year-round greenhouse in Maine and the only one in the northern part of the country.

For more information, or to receive application materials, contact Cheryl Pelletier at [email protected].