Mountain Valleys Resource Conservation and Development is accepting applications from Western North Carolina farmers interested in generating renewable energy on their farms.

The NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission is providing 40 percent cost-share funding for approved projects. The maximum grant amount is $8,000. The goal is to reduce energy expenses and increases farm income by selling generated power to the electric grid.

Twenty-one systems have already been installed through the “Renewable Energy for Farms” project. Most systems are photovoltaic (solar), but wind and micro-hydroelectric projects are also accepted.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must be engaged in agricultural businesses; current or former tobacco farmers will be given priority. Applications are available online at www.mountainvalleysrcd.org/7or call 828.649.3313, ext. 5.