Small farm sustainability

Providing Berkshire area farmers with energy conservation, renewable energy and education

Energy Conservation

We help farmers reduce their dependence on expensive and polluting fossil fuels by identifying and helping implement cost-effective opportunities on farms to conserve energy, save money, and increase production. Staff provide energy efficiency audits, identify efficiency improvements, recommend cost-effective improvements and provide information about financial incentives available through utility and other programs.

We have conducted over 20 farm energy audits. Thirteen farms have installed energy efficiency measures with less than a one-year payback. Three farms have installed significant efficiency improvements and three efficiency improvements are in process. Eleven farms received an in-depth renewable energy assessment. At least three farms are in the process of moving toward installing a photovoltaic system and two farms are exploring wind energy.

Renewable Energy

After evaluating farms for renewable energy potential, we have conducted feasibility studies, provided additional information, researched funding opportunities or helped farmers apply for funding to install renewable energy technologies. David Ludington came to the Berkshires to talk to interested farmers about methane digestion. He conducted a feasibility study for a methane digester in Worcester County.

CET has also been working with a number of farms in Berkshire, Franklin and Hampshire County to explore solar and wind technologies. With CET's assistance, Gould Farm installed 7 kW of solar panels on their harvest barn in May 2005.

Education

In addition to providing information on

• variable frequency drive
• efficient lighting
• plate coolers
• solar hot water

This project was conducted by CET in partnership with UMass Extension Agroecology program, which combines agricultural production and environmental protection to assist growers in providing food for the Commonwealth. Energy and Small Farm Sustainability is funded by Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.