DOVER, Del., April 23, 2024 – Today, in honor of Earth Day 2024, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is funding a dozen clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to domestic biofuels and create jobs and new market opportunities for Delaware and Maryland farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers. Many of the projects are funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis.
USDA Rural Development Delaware and Maryland Deputy State Director Letitia Nichols said, “As we celebrate Earth Day this year, we are excited to highlight our recent funding provided to farms and rural small businesses to address climate change and lower energy costs.” These investments will create jobs and spur economic growth in rural communities by lowering costs and supporting clean energy projects. The projects advance President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and bottom up.
In all, USDA is providing over $1.6 million in funding to Delaware and Maryland recipients through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
- Robert Peterman received a REAP grant in the amount of $71,188. This Rural Development Investment will be used to help Robert Peterman purchase and install a 69.6 kilowatt (kW) roof-mounted solar system. Robert Peterman owns a poultry farm in Delmar, Delaware. The new system is expected to save the farm $8,732 per year in electrical costs.
- Thu Huynh received a REAP grant in the amount of $372,839. This Rural Development Investment will be used to help Thu Huynh purchase and install a 406.08 kilowatt (kW) ground-mounted solar system. Thu Huynh operates a poultry farm in Salisbury, Maryland. The new system is expected to save the company $77,589 per year in electrical costs.
- Antraquip Corporation received a REAP grant in the amount of $95,400. This Rural Development Investment will be used to help Antraquip Corporation purchase and install an 81.45 kilowatt (kW) roof-mounted solar system. Antraquip Corporation operates a cutting tool and machine tool accessory manufacturing business in Hagerstown, Maryland. The new system is expected to save the company $6,956 per year in electrical costs.
- Kun Farm LLC received a REAP grant in the amount of $132,632. This Rural Development Investment will be used to help Kun Farm LLC purchase and install a 115.20 kilowatt (kW) ground-mounted solar system. Kun Farm LLC operates a poultry farm in Princess Anne, Maryland. The new system is expected to save the company $20,144 per year in electrical costs.
- Chesterville Bridge Farm LLC received a REAP grant in the amount of $133,421. This Rural Development Investment will be used to help Chesterville Bridge Farm LLC purchase and install a 142.68 kilowatt (kW) ground-mounted solar system. Chesterville Bridge Farm LLC operates a farm in Millington, Maryland. The new system is expected to save the company $16,857 per year in electrical costs.
- John Henry Hall received a REAP grant in the amount of $124,100. This Rural Development Investment will be used to help John Henry Hall purchase and install a 104.76 kilowatt (kW) roof-mounted solar array. John Henry Hall operates a poultry farm in Hebron, Maryland. The new system is expected to save the company $14,664 per year in electrical costs.
- GVF LLV received a REAP grant in the amount of $73,968. This Rural Development Investment will be used to assist GVF LLC replace their existing freezer with a new more efficient freezer. GVF LLC operates their farm in Forest Hill, Maryland. The new freezer is expected to save the company $6,940 in electrical costs per year.
- Minahil LLC received a REAP grant in the amount of $85,365. This Rural Development Investment will be used to help Minahil LLC purchase and install a 71.94 kilowatt (kW) roof-mounted solar system on their chicken house. Minahil LLC operates a real estate rental facility in Federalsburg, Maryland. The new system is expected to save the company $11,064 per year in electrical costs.
- Sobia R. Chaudhry received a REAP grant in the amount of $129,000. This Rural Development Investment will be used to help Sobia R. Chaudhry purchase and install a 127.53 kilowatt (kW) roof-mounted solar system. Sobia R. Chaudhry operates her poultry farm in Federalsburg, Maryland. The new system is expected to save the company $17,384 in electrical costs per year.
- District Farms LLC received a REAP grant in the amount of $76,786. This Rural Development Investment will be used to help District Farms LLC purchase and install new hydroponic lighting for their greenhouse lettuce production facility in Frederick, Maryland. The new lighting system is expected to save the company $10,214 in electrical costs per year.
- Marshall’s Riverbank Nurseries Inc. received a REAP grant in the amount of $216,600. This Rural Development Investment will be used to help Marshall's Riverbank Nurseries Inc. purchase and install a 176.64 kilowatt (kW) roof mounted solar system. Marshall's Riverbank Nurseries Inc. operates a farm in Salisbury, Maryland. The new system is expected to save the company $44,370 in electrical costs per year.
- Choudery Farm, LLC received a REAP grant in the amount of $129,346. This Rural Development Investment will be used to help Choudery Farm LLC purchase and install a 118.68 kilowatt (kW) roof-mounted solar system. Choudery Farm LLC operates their farm in Pocomoke City, Maryland. The new system is expected to save the company $19,307 in electrical costs per year.
Rural Clean Energy Production
The REAP program helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These innovations help them increase their income, grow their businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families.
A full list of clean energy projects from today’s announcement is available online.
USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through Sept. 30, 2024. The funding includes a dedicated portion for underutilized renewable energy technologies. For additional information, contact our local energy coordinator.
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