Propane Education and Research Council Highlights Funding Opportunities for Farmers
The Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) is reminding agricultural producers about funding opportunities designed to help offset the cost of investing in propane-powered equipment on the farm. These incentives are aimed at expanding propane use in agriculture while improving efficiency, reliability, and energy resilience for producers.
We caught up with Mike Newland with the Propane Education and Research Council to learn more about the Propane Farm Research Program (PFRP) and how producers can take advantage of the funding.
“Our research program, so if folks are looking to buy or invest in new equipment around the farm that runs on propane, go to propane.com slash PFRP, PFRP for the Propane Farm Research Program,” Newland explained.
The program offers direct financial support to qualifying producers. “All the details are there, but it’s up to $10,000 back from our organization, from our industry. Varies based on what type of equipment you’re buying, how much money is spent up front,” he said.
Funding through PFRP applies to a wide range of agricultural uses. “But there’s all kinds of money for, like I said, power generation, irrigation engines,” Newland noted. He added that building-related systems may also qualify. “If you’re putting in a new building for heating systems, water heating systems, anything that has to do with the farm, there’s chances are you’re going to have a little bit of money coming your way from us.”
The application process is designed to be straightforward and producer-friendly. “Really just documenting what you spent, we need a copy of the invoice, and that’s really all you have to do,” Newland said. Applications can be completed online at propane.com/PFRP, making it easy for producers to submit paperwork and track their eligibility.
In addition to PERC funding, Newland encouraged producers to explore federal grant opportunities that may further support propane investments. “In addition, there are some USDA opportunities. They’re still taking grant applications. Right now, I don’t know that they’re funding those yet, but they still stay in the queue.”
He specifically pointed producers toward established USDA programs. “We’d encourage people to take a look at the REAP program, the EQIP program through USDA, and the other ones through NRCS, I believe,” he said. Importantly, applying for federal assistance does not affect eligibility for PERC funding.
“But take a look at those, because in addition to ours, and it has no impact on whether we’re going to give you the grant money, but you may be able to get federal money as well back on any of those projects.”
With rising energy demands and increasing interest in reliable, on-farm power solutions, these funding opportunities provide producers with valuable support to invest in propane technologies that strengthen farm operations now and into the future.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.