We believe in doing what's right for the planet, and this is a great way to show our commitment to sustainability.
Contact UsFrog Song Organics Explains Why Solar is Part of the Plan
Frog Song Organics, an organic farm in Hawthorne, Florida, has recently taken a significant step towards sustainability by installing solar energy panels on the roof of their barn. The farm’s founder and administrator, Amy Van Scoik, believes that “sustainability is at the core of what we do, and we strive to be good stewards of the land.” She explains that the decision to install solar panels aligns with the triple bottom line of sustainability, an accounting framework that considers social, environmental, and economic factors. She says that Frog Song Organics partnered with the community and PPM Solar, a highly respected solar installation company based in Gainesville, Florida, to achieve this goal. The farm’s community raised funds to help purchase the solar system, and a US Department of Agriculture, Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant finalized the plan.
The Importance of Sustainability in Farm Decision-Making
The triple bottom line of sustainability has gained significant attention in recent years, as it emphasizes the importance of balancing all three aspects of sustainability in farm management decision-making. This approach recognizes that businesses can create value by generating profits and benefiting society and the environment simultaneously. According to a National Renewable Energy Laboratory report, smaller farms that install solar energy systems can save up to 75% on their energy bills. Additionally, these farms can reduce their carbon footprint and promote the use of renewable energy in their communities. These statistics demonstrate that the triple bottom line of sustainability is a responsible approach to business management and a smart one, leading to cost savings and increased community engagement.
The solar installation on Frog Song Organics’ barn rooftop is a prime example of this approach. By incorporating solar energy into its operations, Frog Song Organics positively impacts each triple bottom line factor. They are reducing their environmental footprint by utilizing renewable energy sources, promoting social equity by investing in a more sustainable future for their community, and lowering their operating costs through energy savings. This decision is a testament to the farm’s dedication to sustainable practices and serves as an example for other agricultural businesses looking to reduce their impact on the planet. Amy Van Scoik states, “We believe in doing what’s right for the planet, and this is a great way to show our commitment to sustainability.”
Two Plus Decades of Savings That Truly Count
The installation of solar panels at Frog Song Organics has significantly impacted the farm’s ability to grow and distribute food sustainably. The solar panels on the roof of the farm’s barn offset over 2,100 gallons of diesel fuel per year. This translates to a significant reduction in the farm’s carbon footprint, which is crucial in the fight against climate change.
Reducing over 2,100 gallons of diesel fuel per year may seem small, but over the next 25 years, this will offset over 52,500 gallons of diesel fuel. This reduction in diesel fuel consumption will not only benefit the environment, but it will also reduce the farm’s production cost. Diesel fuel prices have steadily increased over the past few years, and the trend will undoubtedly continue. By reducing its reliance on diesel fuel, Frog Song Organics is reducing its carbon footprint and future-proofing its business against rising fuel costs.
Installing solar panels also means the farm can now sustainably produce organic sugar cane syrup. The sugar cane press is a crucial part of the farm’s operations, and being able to power it with renewable energy is a significant step towards sustainability. The farm can sustainably produce organic sugar cane syrup to meet the growing demand for organic and sustainable food options.
Frog Song Organics’ Loyal Customers Contributed to Success
The community of customers at Frog Song Organics played a vital role in financing the installation of solar panels on the roof of the farm’s barn. They understood the importance of sustainable agriculture and were eager to support the farm’s efforts to become more environmentally responsible. With their contributions, the farm partnered with PPM Solar, a reputable solar installation company, and secured funding from the US Department of Agriculture – Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant. The solar panels now power Frog Song Organics’ sugar cane press, a crucial part of the farm’s operations. The farm can now produce organic sugar cane syrup while reducing its reliance on non-renewable sources of energy. The community’s support demonstrates the power of collective action and shows how small changes can significantly impact the environment while providing organic foods.
How the USDA REAP Program Helped Implement the Plan
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is a federal grant program that provides financial assistance to rural businesses and agricultural producers to install high-efficiency solar panels and other renewable energy systems. The program helps rural businesses become more sustainable while lowering energy costs and saving money. Frog Song Organics took advantage of this program and secured funding to install solar panels on the roof of their barn. The partnership has enabled them to reduce their reliance on non-renewable energy sources and sustainably produce organic sugar cane syrup.
PPM Solar played a vital role in helping Frog Song Organics secure the REAP grant. As a highly reputable solar installation company based in Gainesville, Florida, they were able to guide Frog Song Organics through the grant application process and ensure that they met all the eligibility requirements. By partnering with PPM Solar, Frog Song Organics could access the resources they needed to become more sustainable and benefit from renewable energy’s financial savings.
“We are very excited about our new solar panels and their impact on our farm’s sustainability efforts,” said Amy Van Scoik, Frog Song Organics’s founder and administrator. “This is an investment in our community’s future, and we are proud to lead the way in sustainable farming practices.” The partnership with PPM Solar was crucial to the project’s success. “We worked with PPM Solar, who helped us design the project, get funding, and then they came out and did a great job with the installation. All of their staff was super professional and easy to work with,” added Van Scoik.
PPM Solar’s commitment to helping rural businesses navigate the REAP program has significantly impacted the success of Frog Song Organics’ solar panel installation. “PPM Solar was instrumental in guiding us through the grant application process and providing us with the resources we needed to make this project a reality,” said Van Scoik. “They helped us maximize our funding and ensured the project was completed on time and within budget.”
The expertise of PPM Solar is invaluable to qualifying rural businesses looking to navigate the REAP program. With PPM guidance, rural companies can take advantage of the program and lower their energy costs while becoming more environmentally responsible. By partnering with PPM Solar, rural businesses can access the resources they need to become more sustainable and meet the growing demand for organic and sustainable food options.
Overall, the partnership between Frog Song Organics, the community, PPM Solar, and the federal solar REAP grant program has been a success story. “We are thrilled with the outcome of this project and the impact it will have on our farm and our community,” said Van Scoik. “We hope that our success will inspire other rural businesses to invest in sustainable practices and take advantage of the resources available to them through the REAP program and PPM Solar.”
Frog Song Organics’ Spring Festival Celebrates Sustainable Farming
Frog Song Organics hosts an annual Spring Festival, a community event that attracts visitors from all over Florida. The festival is a celebration of sustainable agriculture, and it is an excellent opportunity for visitors to learn more about the triple bottom line of sustainability with solar. The event features a range of activities and attractions, including free live music sponsored by PPM Solar, u-pick berries, food trucks, and a farm tour. The music adds to the event’s festive atmosphere and allows visitors to enjoy great music while learning more about sustainable farming.
Amy Van Scoik
