The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) was authorized under the 2014 Farm Bill to provide funding for energy biomass crops.
Farmers and ranchers will need to establish and maintain new crops of energy biomass or harvest and deliver forest or agricultural residues to a qualifying energy. Agriculture residues, such as corn cobs and stalks, also may qualify as energy-producing feedstock.
Of the total $25 million per year authorized for BCAP, the 2014 Farm Bill provides up to 50 percent ($12.5 million) each year for matching payments for the harvest and transportation of biomass residues, according to the USDA. BCAP matching payments will resume this summer, while crop incentives will begin in 2015. Some matching payments will support the removal of dead and diseased trees from National Forests and Bureau of Land Management public lands, which will reduce the risk of forest fire and boost renewable energy.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting applications from biomass conversion facilities beginning June 16. Information on funding availability can be found in the Federal Register notice at http://go.usa.gov/8FSH. For more details on applications and deadlines on BCAP, visit a local FSA county office or go online to www.fsa.usda.gov/bcap.