USDA offers grants to rural businesses and agricultural producers

The Nevada office of the United States Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for a variety of grants and loan guarantees for both agricultural producers and rural businesses.

The grants are for projects that improve energy efficiency or construct renewable energy systems. They are available to agricultural producers anywhere in the state and to businesses in communities of 50,000 or less.

In the past, these grants and loans have been used to develop systems for ranch irrigation, wind turbines to offset energy costs and to install high-efficiency HVAC systems for a business.

USDA will accept applications for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance through Feb. 21. The office will accept applications for renewable energy and efficiency grants as well as renewable energy feasibility studies until March 30. It will accept applications for loans through June 29.

For information, call program coordinator Mark Williams at 775-887-1222, ext. 116, or see the agency website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/nvreapprogram.html.