AMANA, Iowa, August 30, 2006--Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Thomas C. Dorr today presented a ceremonial check representing a $1,065,850 guaranteed loan and a $500,000 grant to Amana Farms, Inc. to support the installation of an anaerobic digester. The funds are through the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Program.

     "This anaerobic digester and other renewable energy projects like it have the potential to make a revolutionary difference for farmers and rural small businesses," Dorr said. "USDA Rural Development is excited to partner with Amana Farms and other projects across Iowa that are leading the way in the development of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements."

     Amana Farms will use the guaranteed loan and grant to support the installation of an anaerobic digester that is projected to produce 2,600 Kwh/year.

     The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Program assists farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations. A total of 11 projects in Iowa have been awarded nearly $14 million in loan guarantees and grants this year. This leads the nation in both number of projects and funds received.

     "At Rural Development, we are continually looking for ways to enhance the ability of rural communities to develop, to grow and to ensure the best possible quality of life for their residents," Dorr said. "I hope communities and business will continue to look at Rural Development as a source of capital that can help make community improvement projects happen."

     Eleven USDA Rural Development offices in Iowa serve the 1.9 million state residents living in rural communities. Office locations include a State Office in Des Moines, along with Area Offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.

     USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver quality programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in home ownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure.