In Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $1.5 million from the Biomass Crop Assistance Program available for farmers and foresters who harvest and deliver biomass for renewable energy in fiscal year 2017. Energy facilities seeking to be qualified to accept BCAP-funded biomass can begin enrollment November 14 through December 5, 2016.
Reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, BCAP has a total of $3 million available in fiscal year 2017 and half is for harvesting and delivering forest or agricultural residues to a USDA-approved energy facility.
Between January 9, 2017 and March 15, 2017, USDA will accept applications from foresters and farmers seeking incentives to remove biomass residues from fields or national forests for delivery to energy generation facilities. The retrieval payments are provided at a $1 for $1match, up to $20 per dry ton. Eligible crops include corn residue, orchard waste or diseased or insect-infested wood materials.