Perriello Announces Additional Federal Support for Alternative Energy Production in Pittsylvania County

Press Release

Congressman Tom Perriello today announced an additional federal grant for VanDerHyde Dairy to support their alternative energy production project in Chatham. The $150,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Value-Added Producer program will help the dairy start up their anaerobic digester, which will use heat and microorganisms to convert cow manure into clean, sustainable fuel for energy production. The digester, the first of its kind in Virginia, will power a 450kW generator when the system is brought online this fall.

"This project is a win at every level. It produces clean, sustainable, domestic energy, turns a liability into an asset, and creates an additional revenue stream for hard-pressed dairy farmers while reducing their expenses. Most importantly, it shows the country and the world that our region is ready to help solve energy problems," said Rep. Perriello. "Finding solutions to the energy crisis here at home means we can also create those jobs here at home. Our region's location, farming heritage, and workforce quality position us to be national leaders in addressing this challenge, but it's going to take smart investments and people with vision, like Roy and his family at VanDerHyde Dairy, to show the way forward."

Today's grant will help with start up and planning costs to get the anaerobic digester at VanDerHyde Dairy online this fall. The digester will convert cow manure into fuel, producing methane gas for energy production and low-phosphorous fertilizer and bedding material as a byproduct. The resulting electricity will be enough to power approximately 600 homes, and will be sold back into the electrical grid to generate income for the dairy.

Construction began on the digester earlier this year after the receipt of a $1 million grant from the Virginia Biomass Energy Grant program, an initiative funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or stimulus bill. Planning and construction of the digester has been supported by grants from several sources, including the Tobacco Commission, the USDA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

"We're excited to be a part of the new green economy," said Roy VanDerHyde, president of VanDerHyde Dairy, Inc. "We are also very appreciative of Rep. Perriello's interest in the project and the assistance we have gotten through his office."

VanDerHyde Dairy currently employs more than 25 people in Pittsylvania County. Their operation includes 8,000 gallons of milk per day from 1,000 head of cattle, 1,400 acres of corn and 300 acres of soybeans.

The USDA's Value-added Producer Grant program supports farm-based energy production and the marketing of certain value-added agricultural products. Over 550 applications were received nationwide, with 194 grants awarded totaling $22.45 million.

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