Energy efficiency opportunities for farmers


Agriculture is a major user of energy, with direct and indirect consumption of power amounting to an estimated 15% of total production farm expenses, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Now come two opportunities for farmers to become more energy efficient. One opportunity consists of $87 million of federal money available for renewable energy and energy-efficiency improvements through the Rural Energy for America Program. Here's the announcement in the Federal Register.

The other is for $2 million worth of energy audits in 29 states - including California - through the USDA's Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Here's more on that program.

The San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization (SJVCEO) is a nonprofit dedicated to improving our region's quality of life by increasing its production and use of clean energy. The SJVCEO works with cities and counties and public and private organizations to demonstrate the benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy throughout the eight-county region of the San Joaquin Valley.