Grants and loan guarantees will be awarded to 639 individuals and businesses in 45 states and the Virgin Islands, Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer said in a news release.

"America is a world leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency," Schafer said. "These projects are good for business, good for the economy, good for jobs, and they help secure more self-sufficient energy resources for our country."

The funding will support a variety of energy-production and energy-saving project, Schafer said. For example, Chad Brandt of Oakes, N.D., will receive $67,374 in grant and loan funds to replace his existing grain dryer with a more energy-efficient model expected to lower energy costs by more than 20 percent. D.J. Keehner Farms Inc. in Monona, Iowa, will get a $11,561 grant to replace a propane heating system with a more energy-efficient geothermal heating system, expected to reduce energy costs by 78 percent, Schafer said.

The grants and loan guarantees are awarded through a energy program in the department's rural development division.