The REAP program used to help small farmers afford clean energy upgrades. Under USDA’s new rule, you have to pay the full project cost yourself before you’re even eligible to apply for a grant — with no guarantee you’ll get it. Most family farmers in IL-13 can’t afford that gamble.
sustainableagriculture.net
USDA’s New REAP Rule Puts Program Out of Reach for Most Farmers, Ranchers, and Rural Small Businesses
This blog post looks at how USDA’s new REAP rule favors wealthy agricultural operations by requiring applicants to fully finance energy projects and operate them for a year before competing for grants...