USDA Grants for Maryland Farms

The latest site in Kent County, Maryland to receive funding for energy efficient projects is Bright Helmstone Farms, Inc., in Massey.  This farm is part of one of thirteen energy efficient projects for farms provided by the USDA Rural Development.   On November 8 the Chestertown Spy reported that:

“U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) joined U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director Jack Tarburton and U.S. Congressmen Roscoe Barlett (MD-6) to announce that USDA Rural Development is providing grants for 13 renewable energy and energy efficiency  projects in Maryland under the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP).” (Chestertown Spy, 2010)

The project was announced on Sunnyside Farms, Inc in Carroll county, which is one of the sites planned to receive funding for a project.  This project is “the largest farm-based, grid-tied, ground-mounted solar system in Maryland,” reports the Chestertown Spy.  From the USDA the Sunnyside Farm will receive $220,500 to build a solar panel system to help with the energy needs of the farm.  The solar panel project at Sunnyside will consist of  936 solar panels, each producing 220 watts situated on 1 acre of land.  The grant only covers 25% of the cost of the solar project at Sunnyside, but this project is well worth the initial cost to the farm.  The project will provide 25% of the electric needs for the farm, which will in-turn qualify the farm for a grant form the Maryland Energy Administration for $50,000.  Plus the Federal Government provides a 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit and Renewable Energy Credits.  (Chestertown Spy)

Bright Helmstone Farms, Inc.

For the 13 recipients receiving grants there is an available $747,994.  The Bright Helmstone Farm in Massey is receiving $20,000 to upgrade its grain dryer.  The funds available from REAP can be used for “renewable energy systems, energy efficient improvements, feasibility studies, energy audits, and renewable energy development assistance.” (Chestertown Spy)

The following chart represents a project in Ohio that was funded by grands of the USDA in 2008.

(Midwest Combined Heat and power Application Center)

As you can see the energy efficiency of this farm’s grain drying was significantly increased with the installation of a new dryer.  In the electric dryer, the efficiency showed a 47% improvement, while the propane dryer saw a 37% improvement. (USDA Rural Development, 2010)

(Midwest Combined Heat and power Application Center)

This farm in Ohio not only received a cost reduction of $8,124, but they have the added benefit of using less electricity and less propane, reducing the amount of fossil fuels burned, which leads to pollution and global warming.  (USDA Rural Development) Senator Ben Cardin is quoted as saying these projects are a “model for how agricultural businesses can utilize renewable energy to save money and help our nation become less dependent on foreign oil.” (Chestertown Spy)

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