Funding opportunities are posted as they become available.

USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANTS AND LOAN GUARANTEES 

Application Deadline is Wednesday, June 30 

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports farmers and rural small businesses. The program offers grants and loan guarantees, or combinations of the two, and projects requesting $20,000 or less have the best chance of success. Eligible projects include renewable energy systems such as wind turbines, solar, geothermal, biomass, anaerobic digesters, hydroelectric, and ocean or hydrogen systems.  Funding may also be used to purchase energy-efficient equipment, add insulation, and improve heating and cooling systems. 

Interested applicants should contact New York’s Rural Energy Coordinator Scott Collins at (315) 736-3316, extension 4 for more information. Business specialist Gary Pereira can also assist applicants and may be reached at the same number. Applicants in Western New York can contact Tom Hauryski in Rural Development’s Bath office at (607) 776-7398, extension 4. Information on REAP funding also is available in the April 26, 2010 Federal Register. 

NY Agriculture & Markets

New York State Ongoing funding available for various agriculturally related programs.

USDA

Federal funding from USDA for agricultureally related programs.

Calverton - Justin Andrews, the son of Robert and Denise Andrews of Wading River has advanced one step closer to the potential $1,500, $1,200, and $1,000 scholarships that will be given away by New York Farm Bureau's Promotion and Education Committee. A senior at Shoreham-Wading River High School, Justin will compete against 10 other finalists from districts across New York State.

Justin is currently a senior at Shoreham-Wading River School District. In addition to his hands-on status at the family farm, running the farmstand and helping with the Greenhouses, Justin volunteers his time as an Altar Server with St. John the Baptist Church. He also volunteers for local blood drives. Justin's mom claims her son is just a "great kid and an asset to our family and our farm."

Justin has been accepted to several colleges, including Paul Smith's and Cazenovia, and will be doing an interview with SUNY Stony Brook in a few days. His agricultural leadership goals for the next five years include learning about the environment and finding a way to make a difference in the world. Once Justin chooses a college, his plans are to study environmental science and forestry.

"I want to teach people about the importance of farmland preservation," he says, "My community has been subject to massive lost of farmland due to development. Preserving farms would keep the local community and its heritage alive and well."

The scholarship competition began at the district level where Justin and others from Long Island competed against one another for the right to be named the District 11 Scholarship Winner. Justin was required to write an essay entitled "If I had the power to change something in my community or on your farm, what would you change and why?" His application and essay factored into the judging. At the state-level competition he will compete against winners from 10 other New York Farm Bureau districts.

"We're so proud of Justin," says Debbie Schmitt, LI Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Chairperson, "We know he will go far in life and make a difference for his community and this is just one step in that direction."

Scholarships

Applications are being accepted for the 2011 scholarship

Information
Nomination Form
Application

Application Due: November 20, 2010

Scholarship for High School Seniors
Long Island Farm Bureau invites all Nassau and Suffolk County High School seniors to apply for a scholarship. Scholarship applicants will have an opportunity to compete for $1,500, $1,200 or $1000 scholarship funds towards their educational career.

Criteria

• Students who will continue their education to prepare for a career in some way connected to the diverse agricultural industry.  
• Students who live or work on a farm or are involved with agriculture
• Students who are active member of the community

Call (631) 727-3777 or email NBeccaria@lifb.com for more information.