Wind energy initiatives generating more than interest in Phillipston

Courtesy of Al Rose

Al and Nancy Rose of Red Apple Farm will be harvesting more than apples this farm season. Wind energy will also be a “cash  crop” for their business for years to come. The Roses received grants and rebates covering roughly 90% of the total project cost including awards from the USDA Rural Development Program, the MA Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program, and the MA Technology Collaborative.   “I expect the system to pay for itself in less than two years, and after that, it will be generating money for me,” said Al Rose about his new 15 kW Proven Energy wind generator.  Al and Nancy will benefit from their ability to generate approximately 70% of the farm’s electricity on an annual basis.

Red Apple Farm, Phillipston, MA at an elevation of 1250 feet, is the highest commercial orchard in New England.  This unique setting provides the ideal location to install a 15kW wind turbine to significantly offset the farm’s energy needs, make a positive and lasting environmental impact, and directly support the Farm’s educational and outreach efforts to local schools and  the community.

Red Apple Farm is a fourth generation family farm owned by the Rose family since 1929.  Once a predominantly wholesale apple operation, Red Apple Farm continues to diversify (growing a large list of fruits and vegetables) and to produce value-added products (fresh cider, cider donuts, baked good, home-made fudge, apple sausage, etc.) now sold directly to the consumer.   These changes have enabled the farm to adapt and succeed as a contributing partner of the community.  All employees are local help.  The installation of a 15kW turbine will provide for a needed step with a firm footing to help Red Apple Farm continue to the fifth generation.  A step that will allow the Rose Family the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable agriculture and to the environment.

According to renewable energy professionals / contractor, Nexamp, using AWS TrueWinds Maps, a 15kW Proven Energy turbine will produce roughly 19,100 kWh of electricity on an annual basis on site.  This represents 77% of Red Apple Farm’s current electricity usage.  Few projects contribute as many benefits to the sustainability of the environment (reduce green house gas emissions, lessen dependency on non-renewable natural resources) and the long-term viability of the farm.

“Projects such as these advance two goals important to my office:  growing the Massachusetts clean energy economy and ensuring a vibrant agricultural sector,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles said. “I am pleased that the Commonwealth was able to assist Red Apple Farm’s wind turbine project through the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust and the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program operated by our Department of Agricultural Resources,”

On June 24 starting at 4:00 pm Red Apple Farm will host a free educational panel discussion and Q & A,  a ribbon cutting on 15kW Wind Turbine followed by a free "Business After Hours”  hosted by the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce, Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce and North Central MA Economic Development Council.   The panel discussion will include topics on sustainable and renewable energies, Green & Agri-tourism, Farm Energy Programs for MA agriculture, new energy related state regulations and federal incentives… and more.  Panelists will include , MA Office of Travel and Tourism’s Jonathan Hyde, Green Tourism ; MA Dept. of Agriculture’s Gerald Palano, Renewable Energy Coordinator; NEXAMP’s Will Thompson, project managers on the turbine; MA Renewable Energy Trust - represented by a state expert on renewable energy ; and the USDA’s Dick Burke, Director of Business and Community Programs.

Pre register for this free event with the Central MA Convention and Visitors Bureau at 508-755-7400 ext 227.