BE A WIND FARMER

Learn more at WINDPOWER 2007, June 3-6, Los Angeles.

Farmers Turn Wind To Power
May 18, 2007 (UPI)

WHO
U.S. Department of Agriculture (Ag Dept), Steve Wenzel, Minnesota state director, USDA Rural Development, David Gaffney, director, USDA business and cooperative programs and landowners (especially farmers) in Minnesota
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WHAT
Ag Dept grants and loans make small scale wind energy production, even building a single turbine, a financial opportunity.

WHEN
The Ag Dept programs began in 2003, as the result of the 2002 Farm Bill. Increased funding is expected in the 2007 Farm Bill.

WHERE
Statements made pertain to Minnesota programs but the Farm Bills are national in scope.
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WHY
- Minnesota grants since the Ag Dept program began: $18 million
- Loan gurarantees up to $10 million, grants up to $250,000, efficiency improvements up to $500,000
- Annual electricity generated: 2 million kilowatt-hours
- Barrels of oil replaced: 821 million
- Emissions saved: 0.97 million metric tons

QUOTES
- Wenzel: "It's a tremendous expansion for the program…We're seeing an absolutely vast amount of dollars."
- Gaffney: “Improving technology, including turbines that operate at lower wind speeds and more efficient blades, also contribute to the program's success…”