The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) recently announced the release of the Propane Farm Incentive Program, a nationwide research and demonstration project that offers farmers $4,000 or more toward the purchase of new propane-fueled irrigation engines.

"Farmers who participate in the program will receive a $400 incentive per liter of engine displacement, up to 10.3 liters (or $4,120) toward the purchase of a new propane-fueled irrigation engine," PERC said in a statement. "Qualifying equipment must be new, original propane-fueled engines and equipment that has obtained the proper U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and/or California Air Resources Board Certification."

Data gathered from participating farmers will be used to inform future product development.

“This program gets at the core of the significant investments PERC has made in the agricultural industry,” said Mark Leitman, director of business development and marketing at PERC. “By offering incentives to farmers in exchange for performance data, we’re establishing a mutually-beneficial relationship that will assist in developing new technology to support the industry.”

Propane-fueled stationary irrigation engines can help producers improve their bottom line in several ways, according to research supported by the industry.  "Propane-fueled irrigation engines cost up to 14% less to purchase and operate than diesel irrigation engines, and propane reduces deposits on engine components and decreases overall maintenance costs. Additionally, new-generation propane-fueled engines produce fewer emissions than gasoline- and diesel-powered systems," PERC said. 

For information on participation in the Propane Farm Incentive Program, visit: www.agpropane.com.