Yesterday was Earth Day, but all week long we are highlighting how USDA Rural Development promotes strong, healthy communities, and honors the environment, with loan and grant programs that do both: ter.li/m5wgpx

Mutiny Bay Blues received a $78,800 renewable energy grant from USDA in 2023 to help purchase & install an 88.2 kW solar array for their small business in Freeland, Island County. The project, annually, will save $9,561 & replace 91,600 kWh, enough energy to power 8.5 homes.

For 140 years and 5 generations the Goyings family has raised grain on this NW Ohio, Farm. A solar array installed with help from a Rural Development REAP grant generates clean energy for 100% of the farm's total energy used, cutting costs and ensuring a future for the next generation.

For the people living on Smith Island, the water matters! Residents depend on the surrounding Chesapeake Bay for their livelihoods. Our featured #EarthDay story depicts how the USDA is addressing climate change on Smith Island. Read the full article at rd.usda.gov/newsroom/succe…

Today, in honor of Earth Day 2024, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that Dept. of Agriculture is funding more than 700 clean energy projects to lower energy bills, expand access to domestic biofuels and create jobs and new market opportunities: usda.gov/media/press-re…

It sure was a perfect day for Earth Day festivities yesterday at the Whitten building at Dept. of Agriculture. Thanks to our fellow agencies, the People's Garden, the Xerces Society, and everyone else who made the celebration great! #PhotoOfTheWeek

The number of farms using renewable energy producing systems increased 15% since 2017. Number of farms using:
• Solar panels: 116,758
• Geothermal/geoexchange systems: 28,527
• Wind turbines: 14,511
• Small hydro systems: 2,559
• Methane digesters: 680
#EarthDay

The Earth Day festivities continue at the USDA People's Garden!

To celebrate Earth Day USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson toured several farms using many strategies to minimize their carbon footprints. From heat pumps to biodegradable products to #REAP solar panels, these farmers make conscious decisions. tinyurl.com/2jr7eb67

Happy Earth Day! 🌏

In the past 4 years, we've invested in over 2,800 sustainable, environmentally responsible projects throughout New Jersey, including

🔋$23M for clean energy & efficiency
🏠80+ home grants for hazard removal & repairs
🥤$50M towards safe, reliable water

Earth Day at Dept. of Agriculture. Come out and celebrate with us!

Lovely day in DC, and a lovely Earth Day celebration here outside the Whitten Building! Come say hi to your friends at Rural Development! Spin our prize wheel and answer some Earth Day questions!

Happy Earth Day! USDA investments are cutting energy bills for families, creating good-paying jobs, advancing environmental justice, and building climate resilience for rural communities and infrastructure. Expect highlights all week long! ter.li/xeez0f

It's not The Alps- it's Vail! That's Vail, Colorado for #MainStreetMonday this week. Even though Vail is a popular skiing destination, the town itself has a population of just 4,835. It's also home to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, which are the world's highest botanical gardens!

Week in Review:

- #RDInsider covers upcoming program application deadlines: twitter.com/usdaRD/status/…

-Dept. of Agriculture Partners With Reinvestment Fund to Increase Equitable Access to Healthy Foods Across Country: usda.gov/media/press-re…

New on Rural Development's LinkedIn!

Energy Coordinator helps Rural Development increase sustainability in Iowa, make a positive impact on Earth’s climate: linkedin.com/pulse/energy-c…

ICYMI yesterday 👇👇👇

Rural Development has a number of programs that help rural small businesses upgrade their operations depending on their business area. For #RDInsider this week, let’s go over a few upcoming Business Programs that have application deadlines coming up.

JUST RELEASED: Dept. of Agriculture Partners With Reinvestment Fund to Increase Equitable Access to Healthy Foods Across Country: usda.gov/media/press-re…