By Andi Anderson
U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small visited Michigan Turkey Producers cooperative and announced that 46 Michigan businesses are receiving grants totaling $8.2 million through USDA's Rural Energy for America Program.
The cooperative received a $1.5 million grant to expand its facilities, which will potentially increase processing capacity from 5.3 million turkeys per year to 10 million. The REAP grants will support solar energy projects, grain dryers, energy efficiency improvements to a greenhouse, and upgrades to an anerobic digester.
These investments are part of the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to supporting rural communities and promoting renewable energy. Deputy Secretary Torres Small noted that these investments will help to create economic opportunity, bolster local and regional food systems, and increase access to climate-smart agriculture.
The Rural Energy for America Program is a competitive grant program that helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements to their operations. The program is administered by USDA Rural Development.
The Biden-Harris Administration is investing $5 billion in rural communities nationwide through several USDA programs. This investment is part of the President's $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and his commitment to building a better America for all.
Photo Credit: USDA
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy