The deadline for project area proposals for the USDA’s Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) has been announced. To be considered, proposals must be submitted to the applicable state office by close of business, May 27, 2011.

“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,” said USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Administrator Val Dolcini. “I encourage all those interested in participating in this program to contact their 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.

For more information, visit the FSA Web-site at www.fsa.usda.gov/bcapor contact Kelly Novak at (202) 720.4053 or cepdmail@wdc.usda.gov. The BCAP project area proposal submission form is available online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/bcap_form_20.pdf.