Farm Energy

Overview

Today, June 11, USDA issued a Notice of Funds for Availability (NOFA) for the Collection, Harvest, Storage and Transportation (CHST) portion of the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP).  You can read the official notice here. Funding for the remaining components of BCAP (annual and establishment payments) will be announced in the final rule at a later date.

This NOFA is being rolled out as USDA completes a set of 6 public hearings around the country on the Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) being conducted for BCAP.  BCAP advances sustainable energy crops — a global warming solution that provides new income opportunities for farmers.

(more…)

(June 3) In a series of public meetings and in a request for written comments, USDA is asking the public for its opinion on how to implement the new Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). BCAP will help to make advanced, sustainable biofuels production a reality by providing incentive payments to farmers to help offset energy crop establishment, harvesting, and other related costs.  Comments on first part of the EIS process are due to USDA by close-of-business on June 12, and can be submitted here.

Using procedures under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Department is conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIS), and is proposing two different options for implementing BCAP: limited or broad implementation.

(more…)

On October 15th, the Bush USDA issued a new, proposed permanent rule for grant programs in REAP that would likely take effect in 2010 and would make significant changes to the program.

(more…)