The following grant opportunity has been made available to agricultural producers and rural small businesses:

Renewable Energy Feasibility Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture requests proposals for Renewable Energy Feasibility Grants. This RFP will provide funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems. $3 million expected to be available, up to 110 awards anticipated. Responses due 10/5/10. For more info, including contacts, go to: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=56574. Refer to Sol# RDBCP-10-REAP-FEASIBILITY. (Grant.gov 8/12/10) 

Eligible applicants are agricultural producers and rural small businesses. All agricultural producers, including farmers and ranchers, who gain 50% or more of their gross income from the agricultural operations are eligible. Small businesses that are located in a rural area can also apply. Rural electric cooperatives may also be eligible to apply.

Description
The Rural Energy for America Program will provide funds to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to conduct feasibility studies for renewable energy systems. The Rural Energy for America Program is designed to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption and help meet the nation’s critical energy needs. The grants are awarded on a competitive basis and can be up to 25% of total eligible project costs. Grants are limited to $50,000 for renewable energy feasibility studies.