Walpole, NH (December 14, 2023) – The Cheshire County Conservation District is excited to announce a stipend grant opportunity for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

Agricultural production consumes significant amounts of energy. After cotton and rice production, specialty crop production had the next highest average electricity expense ($11,814) among crop producers, due to the use of irrigated water and greenhouse heating. NH ranks sixth in the nation for average electricity costs (US Energy Information Administration). 

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Through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD), is excited to offer stipends of $2,000 to farms to increase their energy efficiency and renewable energy options, with the goal to lower operating costs, increase viability, and competitiveness.

Eligible applicants must be specialty crop producers in Cheshire County. 

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Specialty crops are defined in law as, “fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture". Read the full definition here.

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Eligible projects include but are not limited to: making energy efficiency improvements to farm infrastructure (e.g. coolers, lights, irrigation, electric tractors, etc), due diligence and paperwork needed in purchasing solar shares in net metering opportunities (e.g. Community Supported Solar for Farms in the Monadnock Region), and investing in appropriately scaled on-farm renewable energy projects (e.g. solar). 

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Stipends can be used to fund project costs, consulting with advisors, communicating with vendors and contractors, and farmer time.

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Stipends cannot be used for construction-related costs and general purpose equipment (equipment not directly related to the energy efficiency/renewable energy goals)

Request for Proposals and the 2024 online application form, as well as additional sources of funding for energy related projects, can be found on the CCCD’s website at https://www.cheshireconservation.org/energy

Completed applications are due no later than February 15, 2024.

Through the program, CCCD is also thrilled to offer workshops highlighting different energy practices on farm's in our region. Workshops are free and open to the public, learn more here: https://www.cheshireconservation.org/events

For further information, and to discuss project proposals contact: Amanda Littleton at 603-756-2988 x4 or amanda@cheshireconservation.org

This grant program is made possible through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program from New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food. USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender.

The Cheshire County Conservation District promotes the conservation and responsible use of our natural and agricultural resources for the people of Cheshire County by providing technical, financial, and educational assistance. Our goal is to encourage the stewardship of healthy soils, productive ecologically sound farms, diverse wildlife, productive sustainable forests, healthy watersheds, and clean water to ensure those resources are available for future generations. Established in 1945, the Conservation District operates out of Walpole, NH where we work alongside the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and other conservation partners. For more information, contact Amanda Littleton at 603-756-2988 ext.4 or email at amanda@cheshireconservation.org

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