BANGOR — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that the USDA is seeking applications to provide assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

Funding is available from USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

“The Obama administration continues its commitment to help our nation become more energy independent by partnering with agricultural producers and rural small businesses as they build renewable energy systems and reduce energy usage,” said Vilsack.

USDA is accepting the following applications:

— Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement grant applications and combination grant and guaranteed loan applications until April 30.

— Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvement guaranteed loan only applications until July 15.

— Renewable energy system feasibility study grant applications through April 30.

For more information on how to apply for funding, go to www.federalregister.gov/articles/ 2013/03/29/2013-07275/notice-of-fundingavailability for-the-rural-energy-for-americaprogram, or contact Beverly Stone, energy coordinator, at 990-9168.