The grant was awarded by the US Department of Agriculture through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).
Anaerobic digesters are airtight containers or pits which contain bacteria that break down waste and produce methane gas, which is then burned to create electricity and heat.
The technology reduces waste, lowers costs for farmers, making small farms more self-sufficient.
Congressman Bill Owens said Clarkson University has long been a leader in agricultural technology research in the region.
"This project builds on that leadership, helping small farmers in our region discover new technologies that will help their bottom line and help the environment at the same time," Owens added.
Project director and Clarkson University professor Stefan Grimberg said, "These funds will go toward building demonstration models used for training a large number of farmers in the region who could potentially benefit from this technology. We are looking forward to working with USDA and their extension services on this project."
