Kentucky doles out energy efficiency grants to farmers

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Associated Press

Story Created: Fri May 25, 2012 3:11 AM

Story Updated: Fri May 25, 2012 3:14 AM

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Nearly $700,000 in energy efficiency grants are being distributed across Kentucky agriculture.
   
Gov. Steve Beshear says that through the first round of applications, 81 farm families in 36 counties took advantage of the opportunity. The grant money comes from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.
   
The on-farm energy incentives program provides 25 percent reimbursement of the cost of a qualified energy savings project, up to $10,000. The projects can include energy audits, energy upgrades and energy efficient farm building components.
   
State officials say the examples of efficiency investments include greenhouse improvements by Henkle's Herbs & Heirlooms in Jessamine County and poultry house improvements by Gray Poultry Farm in Clinton County.
   
Examples of renewable energy investments include an investment in solar panels by Kelley Farms in Carlisle County.

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