The following was taken from an April 3, 2018, letter from 75 organizations expressing support for the Rural Energy for America Program addressed to the chairmen and the ranking members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees.

Dear Chairman Roberts, Ranking Member Stabenow, Chairman Conaway, Ranking Member Peterson:

We, the undersigned organizations, urge you to support inclusion of the Rural Energy for America (REAP) program with increased or, at the least, maintained mandatory funding in the next Farm Bill. REAP drives renewable energy and energy efficiency investments benefiting farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in every state and across the agricultural sectors.

REAP was created in the 2002 Farm Bill. Since its inception, this program has helped 15,000 farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses produce clean energy, cut energy costs, and boost rural economic development. REAP has enjoyed bipartisan support.

To continue reading the full letter, click the PDF below.