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Major opportunities exist for Oregon agriculture and rural small businesses in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiencies.

Oregon farms and ranches create many potential feed stocks to generate energy and fuels such as ethanol. Other possibilities for western Oregon growers include solar and small hydropower facilities.

Energy efficiency opportunities include upgraded irrigation systems, refrigeration and lighting; efficient pump motors; increasing R-values of insulation, and other technologies.

As fuel and power costs rise, most growers are exploring ways to save energy. A variety of programs and technologies can reduce energy use. For example:

• No-till or reduced tillage offers fuel savings and benefits soil quality.
• Precision farming equipment can reduce both fuel and fertilizer use.
• In addition to changing to more efficient irrigation equipment, minor strategies -- such as frequent nozzle inspection and replacement -- can help reduce energy costs.
• Livestock buildings, agricultural processing facilities and greenhouses can show significant energy savings when growers replace lighting and switch to more efficient heating and cooling systems.

CPRCD Energy Program

Cascade Pacific RC&D's Energy Program can help agricultural producers and rural small businesses save energy and money on their operations. We can help you secure funding -- grants and incentives -- to make energy-saving improvements. In addition, we can arrange energy audits that show how much you can save with equipment upgrades, assist in developing your project, and more.

REGIONAL PROGRAMS • Energy