US: $3 million available for biomass-to-energy projects

When you think of sustainable energy, what comes to mind? For most people, solar and wind power would top the list, but many may not realize that sustainable energy can also be generated from on-farm plant matter and animal waste. Many farmers are already using this method, called “bioenergy”, which is produced from a variety of perennial plants ("biomass") that are used as a feed stock for energy and fuel production.

Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), farmers can receive funding to offset some of the costs of establishing and producing crops like switch grass and willow for bioenergy production.

On May 23, 2016, USDA announced that BCAP funding has resumed for farmers and foresters growing and harvesting biomass for renewable energy and bio-based products. For fiscal year (FY) 2016, $3 million is available through the program.

Bioenergy production facilities that are interested in accepting biomass from producers must register with USDA by June 6.

Farmers, ranchers, and forest owners who fall within the following two existing project areas may enroll between June 15 and September 13.

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