On-Farm Energy Initiative

2014 EQIP - On-Farm Energy Initiative

Sign-Up Deadline Feb. 21, 2014

Overview

The EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative enables the producer to identify ways to conserve energy on the farm through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP), also known as an on-farm energy audit; and by providing financial and technical assistance to help the producer implement various measures and practices recommended in an on-farm energy audit.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include individuals, legal entities, Indian Tribes, or joint operations engaged in agricultural production.  Producers who grow agricultural commodities on eligible land and have resource concerns which may be addressed by energy conservation may participate in EQIP’s On-Farm Energy Initiative.

How EQIP Works

To initiate an application, producers should work through their local NRCS office.   NRCS staff will work with the program applicant to develop a conservation plan and an EQIP plan of operations.  This plan becomes the basis of the EQIP contract between NRCS and the producer.

NRCS may also provide financial assistance to participants for on-farm energy conservation planning services through a Technical Service Provider (TSP) to develop Conservation Activity Plans (CAP).  will be included in the plan of operations.

Applications submitted for the EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year.  Applications are evaluated and ranked according to environmental benefits expected through implementation of approved conservation practices. 

Additional Information

Program Documents

• National NRCS On-Farm Energy Web Site

Technical Service Provider Documents

• Where to find Certified TSPs for AgEMPs

Other USDA Websites

• Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America (REAP) provides grants for renewable energy and the development of energy audit programs.  It also provides loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.  
• USDA Farm Services Agency Conservation Loan (CL) Program  funds can be used to implement conservation practices approved by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Additional information may be obtained at local FSA offices or through the FSA website.

External Links

• American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting economic prosperity, energy security, and environmental protection.
• The Journal of Energy Efficiency and Reliability addresses the concerns of the readers regarding the vulnerability of their operations and facilities to power interruptions and explores solutions for increasing energy self-reliance.
• American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) is the professional home of engineers and others who share the vision of "Engineering for a Sustainable Tomorrow." 

Archived Information

• 2013 Ag Energy Initiative (Archived)
• 2012 Ag Energy Initiative (Archived)
• 2011 Ag Energy Initiative (Archived)
• 2010 Ag Energy Information (Archived)

Program Contact

Corey Farmer
(501) 301-3122