George Fox University students will have the opportunity to provide technical assistance to small farmers and rural businesses because of a $100,000 USDA grant awarded to the university’s engineering department. The purpose of the Renewable Energy Development Assistance grant is to fund faculty and undergraduate research used to help farmers and vineyard owners with tasks such as energy audits, energy efficiency and renewable energy options for their facilities. The funds, which will be provided to the Newberg college over a two-year period, begin this fall. Check out the story from the Oregon Wine Press.