WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture will expand the Biomass Crop Assistance Program Area in northeastern Arkansas, members of Arkansas’ congressional delegation said Friday.
The project, authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill, sets aside nearly 8,000 acres to grow crops that will be processed into renewable energy, a project that the USDA estimates will create 750 jobs.
The initial BCAP Project Area included 5,558 acres of land in Craighead, Greene, Jackson, Lawrence, Mississippi, Poinsett and Randolph counties.
MFA Oil Biomass LLC and Aloterra Energy LLC will sponsor the project to promote the cultivation of giant miscanthus, a sterile hybrid warm-season grass that can be converted into fuel pellets, in farm heating, and bio-based packaging.
Beginning June 18, Arkansas crop producers may submit proposals to the USDA to be selected to participate in the BCAP project area. The deadline to sign up is September 14, 2012.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Arkansans who may be interested may visit their local Farm Service Agency county office or visit the USDA website to find out more information.
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On the Net:
www.fsa.usda.gov/bcap