Maple season was in full swing at Windswept Maples Farm in Loudon, NH, where Jeff Moore stewards 11,000 maple trees. The farm uses energy-intensive equipment to collect sap and make syrup, with a focus on energy efficiency. Moore applied for a USDA grant to install solar panels on the farm, but the federal funding freeze has put the project in jeopardy.
Many NH farmers rely on federal incentives for conservation practices and renewable energy systems, but the funding freeze has left them in limbo. This uncertainty has strained relationships between farmers and the government, as contracts remain in question.
ReVision Energy, a regional solar installer, has seen a significant impact on its customers due to the freeze, with halted contracts totaling $3 million. ReVision is urging farmers to consider low-cost financing options until grant funding is released.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen has expressed frustration over the freeze, emphasizing that farmers should be able to trust the government to uphold contracts. The USDA has stated that funding is being evaluated to ensure it directly supports farmers, but the uncertainty persists, leaving many farmers in a state of limbo.
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