5-2 IAN BCAP

The USDA Farm Service Agency Acting Administrator Val Dolcini announced the deadline for project area proposals for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). To be considered, proposals must be submitted to the applicable state office by close of business, May 27, 2011.

Idaho farmers who wish to produce crops for energy production should contact Idaho Farm Service Agency. The BCAP specialist for Idaho is Jeremy Nalder who lists some of the eligible crops:  crops include but are not limited to  switchgrass, miscanthus, fast growing woody poplar, algae, energy cane.”

Here is what Val Dolcini  had to say about the BCAP program: “The nation that harnesses the power of clean, renewable energy will be the nation that leads the 21st century. BCAP can help rural communities save money, create jobs and improve air quality while reducing the demand for fossil fuels. I encourage all those interested in participating in this program to contact their Farm Service Agency (FSA) state office for details.”

BCAP was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill and provides incentives to eligible farmers, ranchers and forest landowners for the establishment and production of biomass crops for heat, power, bio-based products and biofuels. BCAP project areas are specific geographic areas where producers grow eligible biomass crops. Producers then receive annual payments for growing those crops.