What is an Agricultural Energy Management Plan?

An Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP) is an analysis of current farm infrastructure and management with recommendations to reduce energy consumption on the farm. This includes purchased fuels, electricity, and renewable energy sources used to perform farm activities. A plan can be developed for each farm enterprise: a livestock production system, a field crop system, and specialized non-livestock operations such as greenhouses, cold storage, or maple syrup production. This provides you with cost effective ways to reduce operating costs while saving energy.

What Will I Gain?

The AgEMP is tailored to the individual farm. It determines and documents current energy usage over the past annual cycle, and provides cost-effective energy conservation alternatives and recommendations for each farm enterprise. The evaluation of energy conservation activities includes energy used in the cultivation, protection, harvesting, processing and storage of agricultural crops and in the feeding, housing, and processing of farm animals and animal products, and wildlife enhancement activities.

Who Will Develop My Plan?

EnSave is certified by the USDA NRCS to provide AgEMPs and is a registered Technical Service Provider (TSP) in several states throughout the United States. Visit the Technical Service Provider Registry at http://techreg.usda.gov/ to find out if EnSave is registered in your state.
While EnSave may be listed in a particular state to provide AgEMPs, it is up to the state to provide Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding for the AgEMP. Check with your local NRCS office to find out if they offer AgEMPs.

How Much Will This Cost?

You will receive payment from NRCS when the plan is complete. NRCS will pay up to 75% (or up to 90% for historically underserved program participants) of the cost of the AgEMP. The cost of your audit is determined on a state by state basis and by the type and size of your ag operation. Cost estimates are determined by your state NRCS office. You will be responsible for paying EnSave any balance due.
For more information about historically underserved groups, consult your local NRCS office or http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/SLB_Farmer/

Who Is Eligible?

Any agricultural operation that has not already received a USDA payment for an energy audit through any USDA conservation program may be eligible. Since an AgEMP is funded through the EQIP you must meet certain minimum EQIP requirements. The plan must be completed within twelve months of contract signing.

What Is The Application Deadline?

An AgEMP is a Conservation Activity Plan (CAP). This component of EQIP is for specialized, in-depth plans that address specific resources and can be used to improve management. CAPs are on a first-come first-served basis (depending on funding availability) as the applications are received and certified as eligible, without regard to ranking.

Are Funds For Implementation Available?

Your AgEMP will identify financial assistance opportunities that are appropriate to your particular situation. Some management recommendations can be implemented at minimal cost. Depending on your particular situation, other recommendations in your AgEMP could be part of a subsequent application for assistance through NRCS programs such as EQIP. Certain options in your plan may be eligible for funding through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America Program.

Contact EnSave: 800-732-1399

65 Millet Street, Suite 105
Richmond, VT 05477
Phone: 800-732-1399
Fax: 802-434-7011
www.ensave.com