Propane Education & Research Council opens 2016 Propane Farm Incentive Program

New, limited-time program offsets upfront costs to heat greenhouses efficiently.


Press Release

Published February 16, 2016

WASHINGTON — The Propane Education & Research Council announced the release of the 2016 Propane Farm Incentive Program this month, a nationwide research and demonstration initiative offering farmers purchase incentives of up to $5,000 toward new propane-powered farm equipment.

Sponsored by PERC, the 2016 Propane Farm Incentive Program offers the incentive of 10 cents per square foot for propane-powered agricultural heating systems. The incentive program helps offset the upfront costs of new agriculture equipment in exchange for real-world performance data and customer feedback.

According to the council's website, a growing number of farms are using propane-powered building and water heaters. Propane keeps plants heated during cold winter months, and cleans and sanitizes greenhouses. It's a valuable addition for farmers who need efficient heat.
 
“New generation propane-powered farm equipment is extremely efficient, reliable, and cost-effective,” said Cinch Munson, Director of Agriculture Business Development at PERC. “The Propane Farm Incentive Program helps farmers experience the many benefits of propane equipment first-hand, while providing us with valuable information to continue to improve new propane technology.”
 
Participants from the 2014 incentive program reduced fuel costs by more than 40 percent by switching to emissions-compliant, propane-powered irrigation engines. Additionally, new generation propane-powered engines produce 20 percent fewer emissions than gasoline engines and 11 percent fewer emissions than similar diesel-powered systems.
 
According to the program guidlines, propane-fueled greenhouse heating systems are eligible for FIP incentives when installed as part of an entire system installation. The complete system must either be installed in new construction or as a conversion from another fuel source.

PERC invites producers to apply for incentives by completing an online application. For more information about the Propane Farm Incentive Program or to see a list of eligible equipment, please visit  www.propane.com/farmincentive.

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