Pilot Project for Energy Audit and Energy Conservation Practice Adoption

The proposed CIG project will 1) build on existing Energy audits to create an audit system that encompasses all farm activities and puts more farmers in a position to use more USDA and other programs; 2) introduce more producers to the newest Energy-saving technologies for a variety of farm types; and 3) deliver measurable Energy cost savings and carbon reductions. Results:1) At least 30 producers in Kennebec County will have undergone the Farm-level Energy Audit. At a minimum the audit prepares farmers for the broadest slate of Energy programs: State incentive programs for Energy-saving technologies, the USDA 9006 program, as well as a number of EQIP farm practices (e.g., crop rotation, green manure). It is expected that the project will result in recommendation to adopt specific practices as NRCS standards and practices for future use in cost-share programs. A thorough assessment of the cost-efficiency of the pilot project, lessons learned, and feasibility for expansion will be included in the Final Report. The results and recommendations for expansion will be communicated to the farming communities in the State, the National and State USDA offices, and State Energy programs throughout New England.