Colorado Agricultural Energy Renovation Opportunities (AERO) Project (AERO)

The Agricultural Energy Renovation Opportunities (AERO) Project is a free technical-assistance service, not a direct grant. Funded by a grant from USDA Rural Development, CDA provides technical assistance to producers interested in USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. CDA can provide: help deciding if REAP is right for you; free grant assistance to farmers and ranchers interested in applying for REAP projects; free technical reports and feasibility studies (required for REAP applications); potential grant assistance for qualified projects; and project development assistance.

REAP, through the USDA, provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.

Any farmer, rancher, or rural small business who is interested in a REAP award can work with CDA to create an application. Though CDA will support any project, it is focused on projects that: apply for underutilized technologies; focus on Distressed or Disadvantaged Communities; and request $20,000 or less.

The USDA is not currently accepting REAP applications and this technical-assistance program is on-hold. See the program page (and the 2025 CO REAP Journey Map) for details and updates.