Farm In East Windsor Gets Federal Funding For Geothermal Greenhouse

EAST WINDSOR, NJ — A local family-owned cut flower farm from East Windsor recently received a federal grant to convert a greenhouse to geothermal heat for cut flower production.

East Windsor-based Moonshot Farm received $24,193 in grant funding from USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).

The grant will enable the farm to grow cut flowers in winter using geothermal energy instead of fossil fuels, thus reducing its carbon footprint. It will be the first commercial geothermal greenhouse in New Jersey dedicated to cut flower production.

Started in 2019 by Rebecca Kutzer-Rice and Mark Ginsberg Moonshot Farm produces approximately 3 acres of specialty cut flowers year-round, selling in farmers' markets, farm stand, and to a 120-member bouquet-of-the-month club.

“Nearly all flowers sold in New Jersey between November and March are imported from abroad or grown using fossil fuels,” Kutzer-Rice said. “We are thrilled that the USDA has provided funding for this innovative project and hope to see more local growers exploring renewable energy on their farms.”

The USDA Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems Grant provides funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Moonshot Farm’s grant covers 25 percent of the geothermal greenhouse conversion. Thomas Geothermal Engineering LLC will be the engineer for the project.

Moonshot Farm uses sustainable methods including reduced tillage and avoidance of synthetic pesticides/herbicides. Previously the farm grew winter flowers using propane.

The geothermal project is expected to save over 2,000 gallons in estimated propane usage per year. Specialty flowers grown using geothermal heat will include ranunculus, anemones, freesia, and tulips.

The farm’s geothermal project also benefited from the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act, which expands tax credits for commercial geothermal energy projects.

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