Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), a U.S. Department of Agriculture program, helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest in renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.
In March of this year, USDA announced that REAP applications will be paused until new program regulations are in effect to align with the Administration’s Executive Order 14315. The timeframe for reopening the program is unclear, but likely not before 2027.
Many farmers have found success with this program. REAP helped one Iowa farmer turn a long-held interest in solar energy into a practical, money-saving investment.
Erik Sessions, owner of Decorah-based Patchwork Green, used REAP to install a ground-mounted solar array designed to offset the energy needs of his vegetable business.
As his business has grown, so has its energy needs. In early 2025, Erik applied and received incentives for a solar installation which went live in December 2025.
Even with the reimbursement grant from REAP, the project will take time to pay for itself, and Erik is clear that lower energy costs alone will not make or break the farm. But the savings matter, and so does the peace of mind.
For Erik, the project fits into broader conservation and stewardship goals. Farming vegetables requires careful attention to land, water, and other resources. Adding solar felt like another way to make the operation more sustainable and energy independent.
His advice to other farmers or rural business owners considering REAP is to plan ahead and find local support if possible. He also encourages others to look for someone in their county or region who has experience with government paperwork or the REAP application.
You can advocate for programs like REAP that support producers and small businesses in reaching their sustainable energy goals. Find contact information for your member of Congress at congress.gov/members/find-your-member.
By Val Ankeny is senior policy associate at the Center for Rural Affairs. Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.
