May 27 is the deadline for proposals to be submitted under USDA’s Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP).

The program, which is administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) 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. FSA Acting Administrator Val Dolcini announced the deadline for submitting project area proposals. “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 Dolcini. “I encourage all those interested in participating in this program to contact their Farm Service Agency (FSA) state office for details.”

BCAP project areas are specific geographic areas where producers grow eligible biomass crops. Producers then receive annual payments for growing those crops. To be considered, proposals must be submitted to the applicable state office by close of business, May 27, 2011. More information can be found on the FSA BCAP web page.