NEWARK, N.J. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), along with USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Farah Ahmad and New Jersey State Director Jane Asselta, visited Eastern Fresh Growers Inc. in Cumberland County to announce grants awarded to recipients through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). More than $3.3 million in funding was awarded to 17 New Jersey rural small business and agricultural producers to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements that will lower their energy costs, generate new income, and strengthen the resilience of their operation.
"Today, I am thrilled to announce the Rural Energy for America Program grants, which will benefit small businesses and farms across Cumberland County and our state,” said Senator Booker. “This federal investment from the Inflation Reduction Act will empower rural enterprises to embrace renewable energy solutions and be more energy efficient. This funding will go a long way to not only lower energy costs, but also foster a cleaner, more sustainable future for all our communities.”
“Supporting renewable energy and energy-saving systems helps the people of rural America create thriving, livable communities,” said Farah Ahmad, USDA Deputy Under Secretary of Rural Development. “These initiatives are critical to the future of our economy, and the grants announced in New Jersey demonstrate how the Inflation Reduction Act lowers energy costs and provides clean, reliable energy that ultimately keeps more income in the hands of businesses and producers.”
“Hearing firsthand that the nearly $1 million grant funding will help Eastern Fresh Growers more quickly recoup their investment and offset nearly all their energy costs is important in appreciating the impact of President Biden’s economic agenda to strengthen our economy and invest in rural businesses. New Jersey’s farmers and rural small businesses have several more opportunities to apply for grant funding so they can save on their energy costs too,” said USDA Rural Development New Jersey State Director Jane Asselta.
Senator Booker spoke on the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act and delivered announcements to attending recipients at Eastern Fresh Growers Inc., which received $958,809 in funding to install a ground mounted solar array that will lower the farm’s energy use by more than 100 percent annually. The farm operates as a wholesale produce sales company which sources produce from their farm and other local farms. Produce is packed at their facility in Cedarville, which employs over 100 personnel. Following the announcements, attendees toured the farm’s facilities and met with employees.
Additional REAP recipients in New Jersey included:
Linwood Solar, LLC. - $563,734
Achristavest Pier6600, LLC. - $92,120
Burke Brothers, Inc.- $129,120
Burke Chevrolet Buick, GMC Service & Parts - $186,320
Jessie Creek Winery, LLC. – $39,800
Kull Auto Sales, Inc. – $98,590
Leslie C. Rea Farm, Inc. - $31,967
Mahalo Diamond Beach, LLC. - $106,400
Pineland Recycling, LLC. - $26,000
Windrift Avalon, LLC. - $127,160
Four Seasons Campground, Inc. - $176,000
Wysocki Electric, Inc. - $64,000
Cotton Cattle Company - $96,000
Beneduce Vineyards, LLC. - $150,400
Bousum Neely Partnership - $276,400
MWM Properties Montville, LLC. - $224,000
Today’s announcement of the REAP grants at Eastern Fresh Growers in Cumberland County was part of Booker’s 2023 Jersey Summer Road Trip, a series of stops highlighting New Jersey’s 21 counties. The road trip will focus on Booker’s efforts to secure congressionally directed funding for critical projects in the state; his legislative priorities, including his work to address the opioid epidemic, counter the scourge of gun violence, and serve New Jersey veterans; and his support of local businesses and organizations.