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2009 Calendar

Sign up now for 2009 energy funding assistance

Through CPRCD’s Energy Program, agricultural producers and rural small businesses can receive help applying for energy improvement grants from the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), as well as state and utility incentives.

This program promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy development by providing grants and loan guarantees for energy audits, feasibility studies, and project development.  REAP grants for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems can cover up to 25 percent of the project cost. The combination of grant and loan guarantees can cover up to 75 percent of the cost.

The deadline for 2009 USDA REAP applications is July 31.   Producers and businesses with small projects who want to receive funding this year should contact CPRCD by July 1 for assistance.  “Small projects” are those that don’t require an energy audit (for energy efficiency projects ≤ $200,000) or feasibility study (for renewable energy projects ≤ $200,000).

For larger projects, contact us to get started on your REAP grant proposal for next year.

Contact Terry Johnson, Energy Program Manager, at 541-760-6444 or terry@casco.net.

Growing Truffles: a lucrative rural business

Culinary truffles are a rare, highly-valued commodity, and Oregon has a unique opportunity to become a world leader in truffle production, according to a new marketing feasibility study.

"Oregon Culinary Truffles," released on April 30, notes that truffles require precise growing conditions -- including the climate and soils found in Oregon -- and can be highly profitable, if properly managed and harvested.

See our May/June newsletter for more information

Download the report, "Oregon Culinary Truffles," in PDF format (1.63 MB)