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On Farm Energy Initiative
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Program level:
Local
Provider:
Columbia Basin Conservation District
Benefits provided:
Financial, Free technical assistance
Land use:
Agriculture
Water-focused program:
No
Get help with a plan to save energy on your farm.
Overview
Description:
We are excited to announce that the GCCD is now offering on-farm energy audits in partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), as part of the EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative.
This Initiative enables the producer to identify ways to conserve energy on the farm through two types of Agricultural Energy Management Plans (AgEMP) for headquarters and/or for landscape, also known as an on-farm energy audit (headquarters and/or landscape); and by providing financial and technical assistance to help the producer implement various measures and practices recommended in these on-farm energy audits. This emerging agricultural trend produces benefits, including reduced input costs, increased productivity per unit of energy consumed by equipment and lighting, and reduced air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions caused when energy is generated for agricultural use.
To learn more about the EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative or to apply for the program, please visit NRCS' website or contact us.
Eligibility:
Once an AgEMP or other qualifying energy audit has been completed, eligible producers can apply for EQIP assistance for the purchase, installation, or retrofit of certain buildings or equipment to improve energy efficiency. Examples of items eligible for energy efficiency improvements include:
Lighting
Plate coolers
Ventilation and fans
Irrigation pumps
Grain dryers
Greenhouse improvements
Maple syrup evaporators
Heating and refrigeration units
Insulation and building envelope sealing
Motor controls and variable speed drive
Financial benefit:
Financial benefits vary per project
Contact information
Information last updated on July 15, 2025.
Planning Importance
Developing a forest, agricultural, or conservation plan helps identify and prioritize objectives for landowners. These objectives can determine what type programs to search for. Supporting organizations in your area often provide free consultation and planning.
Landscape Characteristics
See how your land fits into the broader context of regional conservation, ecosystem services, and working lands' values across the landscape through our interactive mapper tool. It could help you determine which program is a good fit for you!
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