Alternative Energy Workshop for Agriculture Producers and Rural Small Businesses in Jonesborough, TN
On March 6th, 2008 from 9:30 - 3:30 over 100 folks from regional rural small businesses, agriculture practices, and other involved entities interested in alternative energy and energy efficiency attended a one day workshop on the available resources from USDA and State Governments in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. The event was sponsored by the Appalachian RC&D Council, Tennessee Wind Working Group, USDA – Rural Development & Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Bureau of Business & Economic Research of ETSU College of Business and Technology, and the North Carolina Wind Working Group. The meeting space was provided by the Washington County Farm Bureau.
As energy prices continue to rise, these costs can be some of the largest expenses for a small business or agriculture operation. Alternative energy sources like wind, solar and geothermal or upgrading to more energy efficient machinery may be an excellent solutionf or this entities. However, these options can come with significant up front costs that are difficult for small operations to handle. This workshop covered USDA Rural Development grants and state opportunities that exist for farmers and businesses to help them find the best options. Case study projects were presented on successful projects showcasing alternative energy integrated into regional businesses. Vendors were also on hand with displays of products and technology appropriate for agriculture and small business in our region.
Presenters included presentatives from government agencies, universities, utilityies, renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, and non-profit organizations.
This workshop served as a regional effort stretching from East Tennessee to Southwest Virginia to Western North Carolina to attract both experts and consumers to learn about financing these projects. The transition in the country from fuel intensive energy sources to capital intensive energy sources has led to the development of several different financing programs. The USDA Farm Bill of 2002 and current Farm Bill of 2008 both have included the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency program that provides a mechanism for farmers and rural small businesses to reduce their financial burden upfront and finance in a more affordable manner.
The Tennessee Wind Working Group partnered very closely with USDA Appalachian RC&D Council to put the workshop together. It marked the first time that the Tennessee Wind Working Group and USDA had partnered to focus specifically on the USDA 9006 Grant program. The workshop attracted audience from throughout the region with varying backgrounds and interest. The workshop spurned interest in pursuing this grant that draws competition throughout the nation.
