USDA Announces Availability Of BCAP Funding For Farmers, Foresters, And Ranchers

On May 23, 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) had resumed incentives for farmers and foresters producing biomass for renewable energy and biobased products. BCAP has $3 million in available funding for fiscal year (FY) 2016. The program was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, and supports growers who produce energy biomass crops, or deliver forest and agriculture residues to a USDA-approved bioenergy or bioproducts facility. Facilities seeking enrollment in this program can apply through June 6, 2016. Farmers and forest landowners may enroll for biomass establishment and maintenance payouts for two existing projects cultivating shrub willow and giant miscanthus from June 15, 2016, through September 13, 2016. From June 15, 2016, through August 4, 2016, farmers and foresters may apply for biomass residue (including corn residue, diseased or insect infested wood materials, or orchard waste) removal and delivery incentives provided at a match of $1 for $1, up to $20 per dry ton.