Report: Oregon farmers eager to save energy

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A new report says Oregon farmers and ranchers are eager to try alternative sources of energy and renewable energy projects to become more energy efficient.

But the Oregon Department of Agriculture report says many are having trouble getting started because of the cost of some projects and improvements.

Oregon farmers say energy typically costs them less than other production costs such as labor, but it’s still a significant and often unpredictable factor.

The state report includes a number of examples of agricultural energy efficiency projects, including growing biofuel crops.

Farmers and ranchers say they have gotten support from incentive programs offered by the state, utility companies, and national energy programs.

But the report says the up-front costs of energy efficiency projects are still a significant barrier to additional projects.