SEC. 9007 reap-renew energy sys grants (man)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Cooperative Services awarded a $1,000,000 Project Grant on December 3, 2024 to the Spreckels Sugar Company, Inc., a subsidiary of the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative, under the Rural Energy for America Program (CFDA 10.868). The grant funding supports the development of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements at the cooperative's facilities, such as solar panel installations, wind turbines, geothermal systems, and energy-efficient infrastructure upgrades. This aligns with the REAP program's goal of assisting agricultural producers and rural small businesses in reducing energy costs, enhancing energy efficiency, and expanding renewable energy technologies. The Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative has been a consistent recipient of REAP grants, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, energy innovation, and environmental stewardship within the agricultural sector.