Two OAN-member nurseries were among 18 Oregon recipients who were awarded Section 9006 energy grants by USDA Rural Development, the agency announced last week. Northwoods Nursery of Molalla received a $30,490 grant to help make energy efficiency greenhouse improvements, while McKenzie Valley Bamboo of Springfield was granted $10,000 towards a small solar project. The grants, known as REAP – Rural Energy for America Program – provide matching funds to help small businesses purchase and install renewable energy generation systems or energy efficiency improvements. Grants are limited to 25 percent of the project cost or $500,000, whichever is less. The program granted a total of $646,677 in Oregon and $34 million nationwide. Oregon received the eighth highest number of awards and the 12th highest dollar amount. In Oregon, program officials said the program was highly competitive, and they will be contacting those not chosen to discuss why they may not have been selected. To learn more, browse www.energy.ruralOregon.biz.