US (MA): $900K subsidy for agricultural clean energy projects

The Baker-Polito Administration awarded 38 grants totaling $908,259 to Massachusetts farmers to implement renewable energy systems and improve energy efficiency on farms. The farms receiving funding are projected to save farmers over $200,000 annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 660 tons each year. The grants are funded through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) Agricultural Energy Grant Program (AgEnergy) in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER).

“Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in clean energy, and these grants will provide our farmers with the opportunity to continue adopting clean energy technologies,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Their ensuing savings from the clean energy projects can easily be reinvested into farms across the Commonwealth and eventually lead to even better products for consumers.”

“The Agricultural Energy Grant Program is an important tool to ensure that our agricultural partners have the tools they need to lower their energy costs, usage, and emissions,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.

The grants are part of two agricultural energy programs, namely Traditional and Special Projects. Traditional projects focus on conventional energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Special Projects focus on technologies that typically require higher capital cost but could potentially yield greater savings and/or positive agricultural impacts in an effort to improve the farm’s energy efficiency and to facilitate adoption of less conventional, alternative clean energy technology applications.

“By working together across agencies, these grants contribute to the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to protecting our Commonwealth’s natural resources and supporting our clean, renewable energy,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The clean energy technologies funded by these grants will help Massachusetts meet our ambitious Global Warming Solutions Act emissions reductions target and create a clean, sustainable environment for our farmers.”

This year’s AgEnergy Program will fund twenty-nine (29) projects, a combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects including over twenty roof- and ground-mounted photovoltaic systems for a variety of farm sector operations including vegetable & fruit, cow dairy cheese-making, vegetable & horticultural, year-round greenhouses, cut flowers, livestock, aquaculture, malting, and vineyard operations.

Click here for a list of operations receiving a grant.