Syracuse, NY, Jun 25, 2012 -- Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development New York announced twelve farmers who have received USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program Grant. The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to complete a variety of projects. “The REAP program helps eligible applicants install renewable energy systems such as solar panels or anaerobic digesters, make energy efficiency improvements such as installing irrigation pumps or replacing ventilation systems, and conduct energy audits and feasibility studies,” said Bryan Clerkin, USDA RD, Acting State Director.

New York recipients are as follows;

Dean Hunt, Allegany $3.420

Stanley Travis, Wyoming $20,000

Ronald Becken, Niagara $19,800

Dean Yancey, Lewis $1,815

Wayne LaPier, Clinton $2,121

Christopher Smith, Washington $4,740

Three Corner Field Farm, LLC, Washington $14,800

Emily Roberts, Otsego $20,000

Gary Hartung, Sullivan $18,959

Farron Benjamin, Madison $7,500

Weisbrod Crop Farms, LLC, Madison $17,018

Timothy Walberger, Onondaga $4,837

“The President has called for 80 percent of America’s electricity to come from clean sources by 2035, including wind, solar, nuclear, clean coal and natural gas. And we are working towards that goal, ” said Clerkin. Since taking office, President Obama's Administration has taken historic steps to improve the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and build thriving economies in rural communities. From proposing the American Jobs Act to establishing the first-ever White House Rural Council – chaired by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack – the President wants the federal government to be the best possible partner for rural businesses and entrepreneurs and for people who want to live, work and raise their families in rural communities.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. For more information on USDA Rural Development programs, contact Rural Development’s state office at (315) 477-6400, or visit the Rural Development web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny.