Walpole, NH (April 1, 2024) – The Cheshire County Conservation District is excited to announce the 2024 round of Energy Stipend Grants for Specialty Crop Producers Recipients: Abenaki Springs Farm of Walpole, Bonita Farms of Walpole, Dog Days Farm of Fitzwilliam, Dove Hill Farm of Walpole, Flock and Clowder of Fitzwilliam, Foggy Hill Farm of Jaffrey, Gemmo Forest of Keene, Gentle Women's Farm of Winchester, Hillside Springs Farm of Westmoreland, Lucky 13 Farm of Winchester, Partners' Gardens of Nelson, Picadilly Farm of Winchester, Sun Moon Farm of Rindge, Vera Flora Farm of Gilsum, and Whittakers Homestead of Alstead.

The Energy Stipend Grant for Specialty Crop Producer's support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects on local farms.

Funded projects will include increased cooler efficiency, greenhouse and high tunnel efficiency, installation of solar panels, rain water catchment and solar-powered drip irrigation systems, as well as participation in the Monadnock Region Community Supported Solar for Farms (CSS) project. Learn more about each funded project here!

The Cheshire County Conservation District is excited to announce a second round of 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 May 10, 2024.

For further information, and to discuss project proposals contact: Benée Hershon at (802) 518-0993 or benee@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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