The freeze lasted nearly a year, during which time the Department of Agriculture released some funds but held back others. Farmers who had applied for funding in the fall of 2024 heard nothing until the spring of 2025, when they were told their applications were still in the queue.
The freeze was part of a series of setbacks for REAP under the Trump administration, which also proposed cutting funding for the program in its fiscal year 2026 budget. Congress ultimately allocated $2 billion for REAP in the Inflation Reduction Act, but those funds will soon run out.
The most recent funding shortfall is just one of many challenges facing the program. The Department of Agriculture’s Make Agriculture Great Again agenda, released in January, states that REAP will “disincentivize funding for solar panels on productive farmland.”
The program has long been a lifeline for small farmers, who use it to install solar panels, wind turbines, energy-efficient lighting, and other upgrades that help them save money on their energy bills. But the Department of Agriculture’s new policy could make it harder for farmers to access funds for these types of projects.
The uncertainty surrounding REAP funding has left farmers like Everly worried about the future. He says the program has been crucial for helping farmers stay afloat in an increasingly challenging agricultural landscape.
“This program has been a lifeline for a lot of farmers,” Everly said. “It’s helped them save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and stay competitive in a changing industry. Without it, many farmers would struggle to make ends meet.”
As Congress debates the future of REAP, farmers like Everly are hopeful that lawmakers will continue to support the program and ensure that it remains a viable option for small farmers across the country. But with funding running out and new restrictions on solar projects looming, the future of the program is uncertain.
For now, farmers like Everly will continue to advocate for the program and hope that it can weather the storm of uncertainty and continue to provide crucial support for rural America.
The Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) has been a crucial lifeline for farmers and rural communities looking to invest in renewable energy projects. However, recent disruptions and uncertainties have left many wondering about the future of the program and their ability to access funding.
In late March, the administration lifted a freeze on REAP funds, providing some relief to farmers who had been anxiously waiting for promised grant payments. Solar projects, in particular, were a major concern, as advocates feared clawing back funds that had already been allocated.
Despite this positive development, there are still lingering doubts about the program’s stability. Farmers and experts are worried about whether expected grant payments will be disbursed, if new applications will be accepted, and if the program will regain the trust of farmers after the recent chaos.
REAP grants operate on a reimbursement basis, meaning that recipients must make significant upfront investments with the expectation that the government will honor its commitment to reimburse them. The uncertainty surrounding the program has left many farmers in a state of limbo, unsure if they will ever receive the funding they were promised.
The USDA recently announced that the fiscal year 2026 REAP application period, scheduled for July 1 to September 30, has been canceled due to an overwhelming response and a backlog of applicants. This decision has left many farmers in a difficult position, forcing them to choose between moving forward with projects without REAP funding or delaying much-needed upgrades.
The number of REAP award decisions has significantly decreased this year, causing further concern among farmers and technical assistance organizations. Many applicants who were confident in their proposals now find themselves in a state of uncertainty, unsure if they will ever receive the funding they were counting on.
The rollercoaster of disruptions and uncertainties surrounding the REAP program has taken a toll on farmers and rural communities. From funding freezes to confusing policy changes, the program has faced numerous challenges that have created distress and uncertainty for those who rely on it for support.
As farmers and small businesses navigate these turbulent times, the future of the REAP program remains uncertain. The hope is that the program will stabilize, funding will be disbursed, and trust will be restored in this vital resource for renewable energy projects in rural America. The recent uncertainty surrounding federal funding for clean energy projects has left many individuals and organizations in a state of limbo. For those who were already awarded or in the process of implementing clean energy projects, the lack of a financial cushion to absorb months of federal uncertainty has posed significant challenges.
In mid-April, a federal judge ruled that the USDA must pay out billions of dollars promised under the IRA, including funds designated for programs such as REAP, Empowering Rural America, Powering Affordable Clean Energy, and Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities. However, the release of these funds has been delayed, causing distress among farmers, technical assistance organizations, and solar developers who rely on these resources.
Farmers like Tim Biello, owner of Featherbed Lane Farm in upstate New York, have been directly impacted by the freeze on funds. Biello was awarded funding for a 30-kilowatt solar project but faced uncertainty about whether to proceed with the project without the promised reimbursement. Ultimately, after the funds were unfrozen and he consulted with advisers, Biello was able to install the solar project and receive the reimbursement from the USDA.
The situation has also affected farmers in Iowa, where many rely on REAP grants to make solar projects financially feasible. Mike Brummer, sales manager at Eagle Point Solar, highlighted the importance of these grants for small farmers and businesses, emphasizing that every penny saved can make a difference in their ability to sustain their operations.
Looking to the future, stakeholders like Everly are calling for clarity on the status of application windows, full funding through the Farm Bill to maintain reimbursement levels, and improved staff support from the USDA. With concerns about the program’s reliability and the challenges of reaching USDA staff for assistance, there is a growing fear that farmers may lose trust in REAP as a resource for clean energy projects.
The uncertainty and delays in federal funding for clean energy projects have underscored the importance of stable and reliable support mechanisms for the transition to renewable energy. Without a financial cushion to weather such uncertainties, many individuals and organizations are left struggling to continue their efforts towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. The average farmer faces a daunting reality – they only have about 40 harvest seasons in their lifetime. With so much time, effort, and resources invested in each season, they simply cannot afford to take risks. As Everly pointed out, any uncertainty or mistake can have devastating consequences for their livelihood.
One major concern for farmers like Ritter at Green Capitol is the impact of federal layoffs on programs like REAP (Rural Energy for America Program). Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently mentioned that the USDA was struggling to fill critical positions after a significant number of agency employees took buyouts to reduce the federal workforce. This raises fears about how staffing cuts at USDA could affect program implementation and efficiency.
Despite these challenges, Ritter remains hopeful about the future of REAP. He emphasizes the bipartisan support that the program has enjoyed and believes that this will help it withstand tough times. Ritter explains that REAP is crucial for farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to lower energy costs and promote energy dominance in rural America. Despite facing criticism from some quarters, Ritter is confident that REAP will ultimately prevail.
In conclusion, the agricultural community faces numerous challenges, but programs like REAP play a vital role in supporting farmers and rural businesses. With a limited number of harvest seasons in their lifetime, farmers cannot afford to take risks. It is essential for policymakers to prioritize programs like REAP to ensure the sustainability and success of the farming industry for generations to come.
