Sept. 1 Deadline to Apply For National Grid Ag Discount

Have you applied for your National Grid agricultural discount?

You have until Sept. 1 to do so.

For more information, go to https://www.nationalgridus.com/agricultural-discount

Agricultural Energy Audits Available to New York Farmers

NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) is offering agricultural energy audits for New York farms.

New York farms can cut energy use and energy costs through the audit program. The program offers farms and on-farm producers no cost energy audits with no upfront costs required.

Three levels of audits are offered.

The next deadline to apply for audits is June 18. Farmers should sign up immediately and begin the application process with their local Natural Resources Conservation Service office.

The audit does not have to be completed by the June deadline. 

For more information to request a flyer about the program, call (800) 732-1399 or email aeep@nyserda.ny.gov

You also can call the program manager, Lisa Coven, at ext. 839 or email her at lisac@ensave.com

Applications are available at https://nyserda.seamlessdocs.com/f/AgAudit

USDA Investments Result in Patents, Inventions

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released results of investments in scientific research, including 222 new inventions, 94 patents awarded and 125 new patent applications filed in 2015.
 
The USDA Annual Report on Technology Transfer includes new agriculture-related discoveries, inventions and processes made by USDA researchers, universities and small businesses with the potential for commercial application.
 
Highlights from the 2015 report include:
** A bio-refinery that turned a city landfill into an “energy park”
** Computer chips made from wood fiber
** Mosquito-resistant uniforms for U.S. military personnel
** A new biological control agent to combat a major citrus disease
** An on-line climate and weather tool to better manage farm pests and plant diseases
** Cost-effective solar-powered irrigation pumps for remote communities
** Flu eradication through genome editing in pigs
** Bacteria repellent cooking pan surfaces
** Robotic apple pickers
** Affordable tornado-safe rooms
** Virus-based fire ant control
 
The full 2015 Technology Transfer Report, as well as a look at previous USDA research and discoveries, is available at this website https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/ott/FY15-TT_9-30.pdf  

Morrisville Energy Tour Set for Aug. 17

Anyone interested in alternative technologies in energy and power should come out for a self-drive tour from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 17 in the Madison and Oneida counties area.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Oneida County and Morrisville College will host and offer this self-drive tour, which begins at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 100 Eaton St., Morrisville.

Topics explored include: agricultural biomass sources, including industrial hemp, used as food, feed, fiber, and fuel stocks; large and small scale wind; solar photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies; aquaculture and aquaponics facilities and the newly constructed Mesonet Weather Station.

Registration is required (the $10 fee includes lunch) and must be received by Aug. 12. Pay and register online at: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/energytour_230 OR send check payable to “CCE ONEIDA” and mail to CCE Oneida, 121 Second St. Oriskany, NY 13424. Please make memo note on check “MORRISVILLE ENERGY TOUR”

Deadline July 1 to Apply for Agricultural Discount Programs from Energy Companies

Here is some information about the New York Power Authority Residential Agricultural Discount Programs.

Thanks to Jay Matteson of Jefferson County Agricultural Economic Development for passing this along.

Recently, Jefferson County Economic Development sent out a reminder for farms to re-apply for the New York Power Authority Residential Agricultural Discount Program.
Several farms contact our office inquiring about the program so we contacted National Grid for assistance. Below is information about the program. Even if you had not applied previously, you may still apply. The deadline is July 1, 2016. --- Jay Matteson

Are You a National Grid, NYSEG or RG&E agricultural customer? 
If you are, you may be eligible to receive a monthly discount on your electricity delivery bill beginning Sept. 1, 2014. This discount is possible thanks to funding from the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) ReCharge NY program for National Grid’s, NYSEG’s and RG&E’s Residential Agricultural Discount programs.

Do I qualify for the discount? 
You’re eligible to receive the discount if you meet the two conditions noted below: 
1. You have an active residential electric service account with National Grid, NYSEG or RG&E billed under the following service classifications: – National Grid: Rates beginning with Electric SC1 or Electric SC1C; refer to page 2 of your bill. – NYSEG: 12001, 12008, or 12012 noted after Electricity Rate on page 3 of your bill. – RG&E: PSC 19 SC1 or SC 4 noted after Electricity Service on page 3 of your bill.
2. You have submitted IRS Schedule F (Form 1040) - Profit or Loss From Farming (supporting documentation) with your most recently filed federal tax return.

How do I apply? 
By completing a Residential Agricultural Discount application and submitting it to your utility company along with your supporting documentation. 

Where can I obtain an application and how do I submit it? Applications are available on your utility’s website – refer to contact information below. You can submit your completed application and supporting documentation by email, fax or mail – details are available on the websites. https://www1.nationalgridus.com/files/AddedPDF/…/RAD_App.pdf complete the application and mail it to Niagara Mohawk d/b/a National Grid, 300 Erie Blvd. W., Syracuse, 13202. If anyone has any questions, they should contact Jason Eno at (315) 428-6533.

How much is the discount, how is it calculated and how is it reflected on my bill? 
The discount amount will be calculated each month and will vary based on how many people participate, the amount of electricity used by each participant and available funds from NYPA. The discount amount is then multiplied by your monthly billed kilowatt-hours and your discount will appear as a credit in a separate line item, “Res agricultural discount,” on your utility bill.

When does the discount begin? 
The 2014-2015 discount begins with meter readings on or after Sept. 1, 2014. However, it’s important to submit your application by July 1, 2014 to start receiving the discount in September 2014.

Can I apply after the July 1, 2014 deadline? 
Yes. Applications will be accepted after July 1, 2014; however, such applications may not be processed until after the Sept. 1, 2014 start date. Please allow up to three months for processing. The discount is not retroactive.

How long will the discount be available? 
The program will be administered on an annual basis, Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, with the monthly discount provided until funding is no longer available through NYPA. It’s necessary to reapply by July 1 each year to determine continued eligibility.

For more information about the Residential Agricultural Discount program, contact your utility company:
Website: www.ngrid.com/resagriculturaldiscount Call: (800) 642-4272, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Website: www.nyseg.com (click on “Your Business,” then on “Residential Agricultural Discount.”) Call: (800) 572-1111, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
 
Website: www.rge.com (click on “Your Business,” then on “Residential Agricultural Discount.”) Call: (800) 743-2110, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bill Would Help NY Dairy Farmers Become Energy Efficient

News from state Sen. Patricia Ritchie:

The state Senate has approved a bill that would provide grants and low interest loans to dairy farms that make energy efficient improvements. 

The measure, Senate bill 2984, is part of Sen. Patricia Ritchie’s “Grown in New York” plan, a multi-part initiative designed to help meet consumers’ demands for locally-grown food, support local farmers in their efforts to provide quality, fresh food, and strengthen rural communities.

“Controlling energy costs on the farm is one of the keys to being successful in the agriculture industry, especially for dairy farmers,” said Ritchie, R-Oswegatchie, who chairs the Senate’s Agriculture Committee. 

Under the measure, dairy farmers will be able to apply for grants or loans of up to $100,000 for cost effective investments that reduce energy use including the installation of solar technology and construction of new digesters. 

According to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, milk is New York’s leading agricultural product, with sales accounting for one-half of total agriculture receipts.  In 2012, production was 13.2 billion pounds with a preliminary value of $2.56 billion.

The measure was sent to the Assembly, where its sponsored by Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair William Magee, D-Nelson.

Madison County Awarded $4M Grant for Business Park

Great news for Madison County:

Empire State Development is providing Madison County with a $4 million grant to support infrastructure improvements at the Madison County ARE (Agricultural & Renewable Energy) Park. 

The state’s investment will leverage additional funding from Madison County to support the park’s transition to becoming a shovel-ready location for new businesses to locate, grow and create new economic opportunities for the region. 

Like many areas in Upstate New York, Madison County has suffered a loss of manufacturing jobs that once formed the backbone of this region’s economy. Numerous studies and surveys have shown the need for locally based support industries for agricultural producers in Madison County. 

The county is seeking to create a shovel-ready business park near Canastota that will focus on targeting and attracting agriculture and renewable energy businesses to locate and grow. The Agricultural and Renewable Energy Park will provide an economically stimulating, environmentally sound and shovel-ready development area that would be beneficial to the surrounding community.

The $4 million grant will help extend municipal water service to the park, which is critical to creating a shovel-ready site for potential businesses. Madison County plans to invest as much as $5 million in the $10.3 million project. The state funds will come from NY Works, the governor's infrastructure program which is rebuilding roads, bridges, and parks across the state.

“This is great news for Madison County and is the latest example of Governor Cuomo's continued commitment to the Central New York economy,” said Madison County Board of Supervisors Chairman John Becker. “These critical dollars will help us continue to grow the Agricultural and Renewable Energy Park and help us attract even more jobs and opportunities. On behalf of Madison County, I would like thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership and continued support.”

The Agricultural and Renewable Energy Park will use 150 acres at the county’s Department of Solid Waste landfill facility, and the state funds will help pay for extending municipal water to the park, leveraging an investment by the Department of Solid Waste to extend a municipal sewer to the landfill and business park. 

The County Industrial Development Agency will target businesses that coincide with the areas regional strengths and likely include those that produce, process, store and ship a variety of meat, seafood and agricultural products, wood products, products manufactured from recycled materials, and specialty industries. 

The businesses in the park will have access to reliable, locally generated sources of green energy —including electrical energy from the Landfill-Gas-To-Energy facility and a solar energy cap located at the Madison County Landfill.

A green-lumber drying business and commercial greenhouse have already committed to the site, creating at least 13 new jobs, while a recycling business and a company that converts plastic waste into base petroleum fuels is also set to move into the park. These additional opportunities are estimated to represent up to 30 more jobs.

The water infrastructure improvement project will also assist the neighboring Town of Lincoln, which has had water problems for nearly four decades, by bringing municipal water service within reach. 

USDA Providing Money to Rural Electric Cooperatives

From the USDA:

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA will take new steps to save consumers money on their energy bills in partnership with rural electric cooperatives.

USDA plans to provide rural electric cooperatives up to $250 million to lend to business and residential customers for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy systems.

"Energy efficiency retrofitting can shrink home energy use by 40 percent, saving money for consumers and helping rural utilities manage their electric load more efficiently," said Vilsack. "Ultimately, reducing energy use helps pump capital back into rural communities. This program is designed to meet the unique needs of consumers and businesses to encourage energy efficiency retrofitting projects across rural America."

Vilsack noted the Energy Efficiency and Loan Conservation Program, by promoting energy savings in rural areas, is another step by which USDA is supporting President Obama's Climate Action Plan. The program will help build a cleaner and more sustainable domestic energy sector for future generations by reducing barriers to investment in energy efficiency and potentially cutting energy bills for American families and businesses in the process.

Although energy efficiency measures can reduce home energy use considerably, many consumers and businesses do not invest in them because they lack the capital or financing to do so. Consistent with President Obama's Climate Action Plan, this program will reduce barriers to these investments by making financing more available.

Funding will be provided to rural electric cooperatives and utilities – the majority of which already have energy efficiency programs in place – who will then re-lend the money to help homeowners or businesses make energy efficiency improvements. In addition to energy audits, the loans may be used for upgrades to heating, lighting and insulation, and conversions to more efficient or renewable energy sources.

Ag Grant Workshop Set for in Dec. 12 Watertown

From the office of state Sen. Patricia Ritchie: 

In an effort to help farmers and others in the agriculture industry grow their businesses, state Senator Patty Ritchie — in conjunction with the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Council — will host a free Agricultural Grant Opportunity Workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County office in Watertown.

Information about grants and funding opportunities in the following areas will be available:

** Wineries, cider and craft brewing

** Dairy profit teams

** Research and development grants

** Energy efficiency

** USDA grants and loans

For a full schedule of events, please visit www.ritchie.nysenate.gov.

Those interested in attending must register by Dec. 9 by calling the Jefferson County Local Development Corporation at 782-5865 or by emailing coordinator@comefarmwithus.com.

Energy Efficiency and the Farm Bill

This week's column by Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack:

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced more than 630 new projects across the country under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). 

These new projects will help producers and businesses boost their bottom line, while increasing America’s energy security and protecting our environment.

Energy efficiency programs are a key part of the President’s overall plan to mitigate the impacts of a changing climate, while building our renewable energy capacity to support an all-of-the-above approach to America’s energy future.

Under the Obama Administration, USDA has used this program to support more than 7,000 energy efficiency projects. Many of these provided assistance on small and medium-sized farm and ranches, or in rural businesses.

For example, USDA is providing a grant to a producer in Oklahoma who will leverage significant outside investment to install two 100kW wind turbines.

A grant in Washington will enable an orchard owner to install a solar hot water washing tank to clean apples for market. And in Wisconsin, REAP will help a producer install an anaerobic digester that will create more than 4.8 million kWh of electricity a year while boosting environmental quality.

This program is a very good example of why Congress must achieve passage of a comprehensive, multi-year Food, Farm and Jobs Bill as soon as possible.

In January, Congress provided an extension of some 2008 Farm Bill programs when there was no Congressional passage of a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill.  Now, in just a few weeks, that extension will expire – once again leaving rural America without access to Farm Bill programs.

USDA relies on the Farm Bill to carry out the Rural Energy for America Program and many other important efforts. Without a comprehensive Food, Farm and Jobs Bill, rural America will be without energy efficiency programs. America’s farmers and ranchers will be without a strong safety net and important conservation programs.

We will lack trade programs to promote U.S. products, and the ability to invest in strong agricultural research. These are just a few of many examples.

This is too important for Congress to kick the can down the road with another short-term extension. We need the certainty of a comprehensive, long-term Food, Farm and Jobs Bill. USDA and folks across rural America are counting on Congress to advance this legislation as soon as possible.