USDA announces biomass crop incentive program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that farmers and forest landowners can apply to financial assistance for growing new sources of biomass for energy or bio-based products within designated projects areas.

Biomass energy facilities or groups of producers may submit proposals for new BCAP project areas. Proposals will be accepted on www.grants.gov until Nov. 6.

USDA will also allocate $7.7 million towards four existing BCAP project areas in New York, North Carolina, Ohio/Pennsylvania and Kansas/Oklahoma, targeting the establishment of an additional 10,500 acres of shrub willow, giant miscanthus and switchgrass for energy.

Project area sponsors include Chemtex International, Aloterra Energy LLC, Abengoa Biomass LLC and ReEnergy Holdings LLC. Farmers and forest landowners may enroll for biomass establishment and maintenance payments for these four sites through Sept. 25.

The 2014 Farm Bill authorizes funding each year for the program to assist with the establishment and delivery of biomass for energy or bio-based products. To date, BCAP has provided incentives for producers across more than 48,000 acres in 71 counties and 11 different project areas.

For more information on the program or to enroll in updates, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/bcap or contact your local FSA county office. To find your nearest FSA county office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.