PROVIDENCE – Seven farms across the state have received grants to support renewable alternatives and energy efficiency totaling $89,755, the R.I. Department of Environmental Management announced on Wednesday.
“I am thrilled to announce these awards, which are a win for our environment and for our farmers,” said R.I. DEM director Janet Coit. “What an excellent example of the role each of us can play in strengthening our climate resilience and promoting healthier communities. Rhode Island is charting a bold course in clean energy, which is exciting and vital. We must continue to invest in our green economy for the benefit of our state, our environment, and our families.”
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R.I. DEM is partnering with the R.I. Office of Energy Resources and the Rhode Island Resource Conservation & Development Area Council to distribute grants financed through the Rhode Island Farm Energy Program which last year awarded $52,245 to farms across the state to support renewable alternatives and energy efficiency.
The grants will assist in making the farms more “green” and in the process conserve energy and funds. Money from the awards will go specifically towards supporting solar energy projects at recipient farms, a move that will help offset power used in agricultural operations.
Recipients:
- Earth Care Farm, Charlestown – $20,000
- Planeview Farm, West Kingston – $20,000
- Barden Family Orchard, North Scituate – $17,000
- The Good Earth Organic Gardening Center, Hope – $15,000
- Goodwin Brothers Farm, North Smithfield – $15,000
- Grandin Landscapes and Supply, South Kingston – $8,000
- Seven Cedars Farm, Smithfield – $6,635
Scaling to greener alternatives in agriculture is not only an example of good stewardship, said State Energy Commissioner Carol Grant, but also allows for more cost-effective production.
“Solar panels have become cheaper and more powerful…allowing farmers to offset more of the energy they use for their operations and save money,” Grant said. “It’s good for their business and our environment.”
Kyle Borowski is a PBN contributing writer.
