August 19, 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) today congratulated Frankferd Farms Foods in Saxonburg, PA and Mischen Farms in Gibsonia, PA for receiving two grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

"High energy costs are hurting rural small businesses and farmers in western Pennsylvania and across the country," Congressman Altmire said. "I congratulate both of these recipients for receiving these awards, and I look forward to other western Pennsylvania businesses following their lead to reduce energy costs and direct that money where it matters – job creation, business expansion and investment in the local community."

"The USDA REAP grant will help our food business distribute locally and regionally made foods, including our own farm-milled items, throughout our 7-state delivery area," said T. Lyle Ferderber, President of Frankferd Farms Foods. "Cleaner energy sources like photovoltaic solar reflect our company's commitment to do business with as soft a footprint as possible, something our customers and community both appreciate. Our local electric company also benefits when we create electricity during peak hours, lessening demand on the grid."

REAP, an initiative established in the 2008 Farm Bill, provides funding for agriculture producers and rural small businesses across the country to implement renewable energy and energy efficiency measures in their operations. Mischen Farms will receive a $10,648 grant to purchase and install a new, high energy grain dryer and bin. Frankferd Farms Foods received a grant for $19,500 to install 66 solar panels on the roof of its warehouse to help reduce rising energy costs.