Hancock MA Ioka Valley – 15 kW – courtesy of GMP

Growing up on a small dairy farm in New England, I experienced both the joys and challenges that family farms face on a daily basis. I know firsthand the impact fuel and maintenance costs or water and electricity bills have on the viability of a farm. With these challenges comes a great opportunity to help those in the agriculture community meet their energy needs.

Red Fire 24 kW Granby MA – courtesy of GMP

In late March, we announced an initial $1 million partnership between DOER and the Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) to increase clean energy and energy efficiency assistance to Massachusetts’ agricultural community. This news highlights a great opportunity for DOER and MDAR to expand existing work with farmers and growers across the Commonwealth to address their energy challenges.

Spurred on by an increase in consumer interest in local food as well as burgeoning industries such as craft beer and urban farming, the Commonwealth’s agriculture sector is vibrant, flourishing and growing each year. The state’s energy agency is excited to partner with MDAR to bolster the successful AgEnergy program, which provides grants for the adoption of energy efficiency measures, clean energy projects, and equipment upgrades. By expanding the AgEnergy Grant Program, we plan to do our part to make the Commonwealth’s farms more sustainable and economically competitive.

Dan Burgess on the farm

Written By:

Dan Burgess
Acting Commissioner of the Department 0f Energy Resources

Dan Burgess was appointed Acting Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources in January 2015. He previously served as the Deputy Commissioner at the Department of Energy Resources and before that as the Legislative Director for Energy at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Dan and his team are implementing nation leading energy policies and programs that are delivering economic and environmental benefits for Massachusetts families and businesses.

Prior to state government service, Dan worked in supply chain management in both the aerospace and software industries. He has a Masters in Public Administration from Northeastern University and Bachelors in Business from the University of Maine. He lives in Boston and enjoys visiting and working his family's farm in Maine that is powered by renewable energy.

Tags: farming, photovoltaics, solar, solar energy