BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: ELEMENTS AND CONSIDERATIONS

BIOMASS CROP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: ELEMENTS AND CONSIDERATIONS

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Contents

Preface

Chapter 1: Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP): Status and Issues*

Summary

BCAP Overview

Legislative Origins

Program Operation

Annual and Establishment Payments

Establishment Payments

Annual Payments

Eligible Land

Eligible Producer

Eligible Crop

Contract

USDA-Sponsor Agreement

CHST Matching Payments

Conversion Facilities

Eligible Land

Material Owner

Eligible Material

USDA—Biomass Conversion Facility Agreement

Payment

Project Areas

BCAP Funding Status

Funding under the 2008 Farm Bill

Interim Funding in FY2013

Funding under the 2014 Farm Bill

BCAP Implementation Status

Implementation under the 2008 Farm Bill

Changes to BCAP in 2014 Farm Bill

Selected Issues

Eligible Crops and Material

Wood Residue Competition

Invasive and Noxious Species

“Black Liquor”

Sustainability

Cellulosic Biofuels’ Slow Development

End Notes

Chapter 2: BCAP: Biomass Crop Assistance Program, Energy Feedstocks from Farmers & Foresters*

Introduction

Billion Ton Update

Context

Program Design

Major Findings

End-Use Facilities Must Have Relationships with the Feedstock Producers

Most Feedstock Producers Are Small Businesses That Require Financial Certainty

Program Background

History Summary

The BCAP NOFA

Findings with First Incarnation of Matching Payments

Recommended Improvements to Matching Payments

Environmental Compliance

Establishment and Annual Payments in Project Areas

Findings with BCAP Project Areas

Other Project Area Considerations

Costs Per Acre

BCAP Annual Rental Payment Reductions

BCAP Funding History

BCAP Awards Cycle

Funding Effects

Retrieving Existing Biomass (Matching Payments)

Growing New Biomass (Establishment and Annual Payments)

Recommendations for Future Study

Additional Recommendation

Project Area Best Practice Data

Project Sponsor and Project Areas

Project Area Best Practice Data

Herbaceous Crops

Drought & Crop Reestablishment for Herbaceous

Woody Crops

Project Area Best Practice Data

Producer Acreage

Matching Payments Data

Eligible Material Data

Conclusion

Summary

Future Program Goals

About the FSA's Conservation and Environmental Programs Division (CEPD)

End Notes

Index