U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins today announced nearly $1 million in grants for agriculture producers and rural small businesses to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
“These projects provide a nice cross-section of assistance to Michigan agriculture,” said Fewins. “From maple syrup production to organic agriculture, dairy production and basic commodity crops, USDA Rural Development has flexible solutions for your community.”
USDA is providing $956,473 through the Rural Energy for America Program to four recipients across Michigan. These projects are in addition to $1.7 million for western Michigan announced last week.
Bur's Maple Syrup LLC, in Cheboygan County, will use a $26,000 grant to purchase and install a reverse osmosis system, evaporator and electric motor for maple syrup production. Bur's Maple Syrup LLC is a female-owned maple syrup operation that has been in business for 14 years. This project will realize $191 per year in savings and save 46,132 kilowatt hours (kWh) (98 percent) in maple syrup production, which is enough energy to power four homes.
Milk Star LLC, in Gratiot County, will use a $823,219 grant to purchase and install a 1,036.80 kW solar photovoltaic system. Milk Star LLC is a dairy farm that has been operating for nine years. This project will realize $133,492 per year in savings and replace 1,376,202 kWh (41 percent) per year, which is enough energy to power 126 homes. Project payback is 16 years.
Farm & Forest LLC, in Ingham County, will use a $11,836 grant to purchase and install a 19.08 kW roof mount solar photovoltaic system. Farm & Forest LLC is an organic vegetable farm and also sells free-range eggs. This project will realize $3,199 per year in savings and will replace 17,747 kWh (100 percent) per year to make the entity self-sufficient. Project payback is 10 years.
Sunrise Farms Inc., in Lenawee County, will use a $95,418 grant to purchase and install a grain dryer replacement system. Sunrise Farms Inc. is a family owned and operated grain farm that has been in business for 33 years. This project will realize $7,197 per year in savings and will save 103,082 kWh (52 percent) per year which is enough energy to power nine homes. Project payback is 34 years.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.