renewable energy

Renewable fuels – ethanol, biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel, and more – are filling gas tanks more than ever, mitigating the effects of petroleum-based fuel on the environment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a major contributor to that shift.

This month, I had the opportunity to travel to New Paltz, New York and visit with Peter Ferrante of Wallkill View Farm. Mr. Ferrante received funding through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to install a solar array on the rooftop of his farmers market in the Hudson Valley. REAP provides financing for renewable energy systems and can help agricultural producers or rural small businesses improve energy efficiency with new equipment and systems.