To the editor:Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), a U.S. Department of Agriculture program, helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest in renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. REAP helped one Iowa farmer turn a long-held interest in solar energy into a practical, money-saving investment. His advice to other farmers or rural business owners considering REAP is to plan ahead and find local support if possible. You can advocate for programs like REAP that support producers and small businesses in reaching their sustainable energy goals. ADVERTISEMENTVal AnkenySenior policy associateCenter for Rural AffairsLyons, NebraskaEstablished in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, nonprofit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches and rural communities.