On March 31, 2023, USDA announced the opening of an application period beginning April 1, 2023 for funding opportunities under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Section 22002 of the IRA appropriated funding to USDA to provide grants and loans under REAP.
Through REAP, agricultural producers and small rural businesses will have access to $1 billion in grants to allow them to install renewable energy systems or make energy-efficiency improvements in their agricultural operations.
USDA will hold competitions quarterly through September 30, 2024. To ensure that small projects are able to utilize the funding opportunity, USDA will set aside 20% of available funds until June 30 of each year, to cover requests for $20,000 or less, “including the grant portion of a combined grant and guaranteed loan request.”
Further information on deadlines and other requirements are available here.