WASHINGTON, December 11, 2013 — Farmers who purchase cost-saving propane-fueled farm equipment in 2014 will again be eligible for up to $5,000 in purchase incentives through the 2014 Propane Farm Incentive Program. The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) renewed funding for the program at its December Council meeting. 

The Propane Farm Incentive Program saw record results in 2013, with PERC distributing more than $627,000 in purchase incentives to producers across the United States. A total of 219 farmers purchased new propane irrigation engines, grain dryers and other qualifying equipment, and provided PERC with feedback and performance data.

“The success of the 2013 program shows that farmers are taking notice of the cost-saving benefits that American-made propane has to offer,” said Mark Leitman, director of business development and marketing at PERC. “New technologies are helping farmers cut their input costs and increase their profits, while reducing harmful impacts to the environment.”

Producers who upgrade to cost-saving and efficient propane-fueled farm equipment can receive purchase incentives of up to $5,000 on qualified propane irrigation engines, grain dryers, ag heaters, generators, and more. Beginning today, producers are invited to enroll in the 2014 program by completing an online application at agpropane.com/incentive. Performance data collected from program participants will be used to inform future product development.

Research has shown that propane-fueled irrigation engines can help producers improve their bottom line. Data from the 2012 program shows that propane-fueled irrigation engines cut producers’ fuel costs by 75 percent per hour and reduce fuel consumption by 43 percent per hour, when compared to the previous year. Additionally, new generation propane-fueled engines produce fewer emissions than gasoline- and diesel-powered systems. 

PERC works directly with original equipment manufacturers to develop and commercialize new propane-fueled farm equipment.

“Propane is an extremely versatile fuel, and PERC is continually working with manufacturers to improve and build on existing technology,” Leitman said. “The feedback and performance data we receive from farmers who participate in the Propane Farm Incentive Program helps us build better technology to meet the needs of those who use it the most: farmers.” 

Currently, nearly 865,000 farms in the U.S. use propane to run pumps and engines, heat buildings, and dry and process crops. While gasoline and diesel prices have continued to rise in recent years, propane has remained an efficient and affordable alternative fuel on the farm. The majority of U.S. propane supplies are produced in the United States, giving farmers the security of using an abundant, domestic energy source. 

For more information about the Propane Farm Incentive Program or to see a list of eligible equipment, please visit agpropane.com.