Rural Energy for America Program Workshop - 2021 | Community Economic Development

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants in Tennessee provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

Virtual Workshop

February 9, 2021

Workshop participants learned what’s needed to develop a successful application and how to get started in the grant application process. Presenters explained how to complete the application and how proposals are reviewed and scored. A producer and a rural businessman who both previously received a REAP award discussed lessons learned from their experience. Participants also learned about the beneficial energy program offered by the Tennessee Valley Authority and by the state of Tennessee.

Presentations and Session Videos

REAP Basics
Chuck Morris
Rural Business-Cooperative Service/Energy Coordinator for USDA-Rural Development
Presentation | Video

Preparing Your REAP Proposal
David Hughes
Professor and Greever Endowed Chair in Agribusiness Development, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Tennessee
Presentation | Video

Tennessee Energy Funding Opportunities
Sreedhar Upendram
Assistant Professor and Community Economic Development Specialist, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Tennessee
Presentation | Video (first presentation in video)

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Energy Programs and Audits
Tom Irwin
Program Manager – North East District, Tennessee Valley Authority
Presentation | Video (second presentation in video)

Lessons Learned from REAP Recipients
Ted Wampler, Jr. –Wampler’s Farm Sausage
Rick Riddle – Winery at Seven Springs Farm
Presentation (Wampler) | Video (include wrap-up Q&A session)