WASHINGTON -The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began accepting applications Monday from energy
facilities interested in receiving forest or agricultural residues to generate clean energy. The support
comes through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

BCAP provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who establish and maintain new crops of energy
biomass, or who harvest and deliver forest or agricultural residues to a qualifying energy facility. 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.
BCAP matching payments will resume this summer, while crop incentives will begin in 2015. Some matching
payments will support the removal of dead or diseased trees from National Forests and Bureau of Land
Management public lands. This will be turned into renewable energy while reducing the risk of forest
fire. Agriculture residues, such as corn cobs and stalks, also may qualify as energy-producing
feedstock.
"Removing dead or diseased trees from forests to use for biomass production creates clean energy
while reducing the threat of forest fires and the spread of harmful insects and disease," said Tom
Vilsack, USDA secretary. "Increasing our country’s production of biomass energy also helps grow our
economy. Food is made in rural America, but fuel is made in rural America, too. This program is yet
another USDA investment in expanding markets for agricultural products made in rural places across the
country."
With the 2014 Farm Bill requiring several regulatory updates to BCAP, the resumption of payments for
starting and maintaining new sources of biomass (Project Areas) has been deferred until a later date
when the regulatory updates occur.
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), which administers BCAP, will begin accepting applications from
biomass conversion facilities beginning June 16, 2014, through July 14, 2014. 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.
For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.