Farm Smart Energy Choices

By Sam Edel, CCE Community Energy Advisor
Printed in CCE Delaware County Ag News, November/December 2024

There are a number of resources for farms in our state and region.

Agriculture Energy Audit

NYSERDA will cover 100% of the cost of an energy audit study for NYS farms.
NYSERDA has additional programs and incentives specific to NYS farms.

This program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Tompkins County provides resources and fact sheets for farmers to improve energy savings and productivity in a number of farm sectors including crops and vegetables, livestock, and maple.

Rural Energy for America Program

This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

REAP Technical Assistance Program

Provides New York State farmers with no-cost assistance applying to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Through RTAP, farmers receive hands-on support with updates to energy audits and preparing grant application materials.

Energy Best Practices for Agriculture

Energy-related agricultural best practice recommendations are now available to farms. These include recommendations for energy-efficient technologies, alternate modes of operation, and conservation practices to optimize energy use, as well as how to access State, federal, and utility incentive programs.

Last updated January 15, 2025