The US Department of Agriculture is investing more than $6.7 million (£4.2m) in 544 renewable and energy efficiency projects. The cash will be provided to farmers and rural businesses in the nation as part of  the Rural Energy for America Programme (REAP). It has so far awarded $545 million (£343m) to help more than 8,800 projects across the country since 2009.

Tom Vilsack, Agriculture Secretary said: “These grants will help farmers, ranchers and small business owners use more renewable energy, which cuts carbon pollution, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, saves businesses money on their energy bills and creates American jobs.”

The number of farms using renewable energy in the US has doubled in the last five years, stated the department.

Truong Duy