Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill
(P.L. 113-79)
Randy Schnepf
Specialist in Agricultural Policy
March 12, 2014
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
R43416

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Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Summary
Title IX, the Energy title of the 2014 farm bill (Agricultural Act of 2014; P.L. 113-79), contains
authority for the bioenergy programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA). USDA renewable energy programs have incentivized research, development, and
adoption of renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and anaerobic digesters. However,
the primary focus of USDA renewable energy programs has been to promote U.S. biofuels
production and use—including corn starch-based ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, and soybean-based
biodiesel.
Corn starch-based ethanol dominates the U.S. biofuels industry. The previous 2008 farm bill (P.L.
110-246) had attempted to refocus U.S. biofuels policy initiatives in favor of non-corn feedstocks,
especially the development of the cellulosic biofuels industry. The most critical programs to this
end are the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels, which pays producers for production of
eligible advanced biofuels; the Biorefinery Assistance Program, which assists in the development
of new and emerging technologies for advanced biofuels; the Biomass Crop Assistance Program
(BCAP), which assists farmers in developing nontraditional crops for use as feedstocks for the
eventual production of cellulosic biofuels; and the Renewable Energy for America Program
(REAP), which has funded a variety of biofuels-related projects, including the installation of
blender pumps to help circumvent the emerging “blend wall” that has effectively circumscribed
domestic ethanol consumption near current levels of about 13 billion gallons annually.
All of the major farm bill energy programs expired at the end of FY2013 and lacked baseline
funding going forward. The enacted 2014 farm bill extends most of the renewable energy
provisions of the 2008 farm bill with new funding authority, with the exception of the Rural
Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative, the Forest Biomass for Energy Program, the Biofuels
Infrastructure Study, and the Renewable Fertilizer Study, which are either omitted or repealed. In
addition, P.L. 113-79 includes a new provision which precludes the use of REAP funding for any
mechanism for dispensing energy at the retail level (e.g., blender pumps). Also, despite several
amendments to the contrary, and its explicit exclusion from all financial support in the House-
passed version of the farm bill (H.R. 2642), BCAP funding for the Collection, Harvest, Storage,
and Transportation (CHST) component is retained in P.L. 113-79. Elimination of CHST support
would likely have severely limited BCAP’s potential effectiveness as an incentive to produce
cellulosic feedstocks. Finally, P.L. 113-79 adds a new reporting requirement on energy use and
efficiency at USDA facilities.
Over the five-year reauthorization period (FY2014-FY2018), the 2014 farm bill contains a total
of $694 million in new mandatory funding and authorizes discretionary funding (i.e., subject to
annual appropriations) of $765 million for the various farm bill renewable energy programs. This
contrasts with the previous 2008 farm bill, which had authorized slightly over $1 billion in
mandatory funding for a five-year period (FY2008-FY2012) and $1.7 billion in discretionary
appropriations to Title IX energy programs.

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Contents
Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 1
Origins of Federal Biofuels Policy .................................................................................................. 2
2002 Farm Bill—First Energy Title ........................................................................................... 3
2008 Farm Bill—Refocus on Non-Corn-Based Biofuels .......................................................... 3
2014 Farm Bill—Extends Most Programs with New Funding ................................................. 4
Funding for Agriculture-Based Energy Programs ........................................................................... 5
Funding Under the 2008 Farm Bill ............................................................................................ 5
Funding Under Continuing Resolutions for FY2013 .......................................................... 5
Funding Under ATRA—the 2008 Farm Bill Extension ...................................................... 6
Funding Under the 2014 Farm Bill ............................................................................................ 6
Major Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill .............................................................................. 6
Title IX—Energy Provisions ........................................................................................................... 6
Section 9001: Definitions .......................................................................................................... 6
Section 9002: Biobased Markets Program ................................................................................ 7
Section 9003: Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product
Manufacturing Assistance Program ........................................................................................ 8
Section 9004: Repowering Assistance Program (RAP)............................................................. 9
Section 9005: Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels ...................................................... 10
Section 9006: Biodiesel Fuel Education Program ................................................................... 12
Section 9007: Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) .................................................... 12
Program History ................................................................................................................ 13
Section 9008: Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI) ................................... 14
Section 9009: Feedstock Flexibility Program (FFP) for Bioenergy Producers ....................... 15
Section 9010: Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) ..................................................... 16
Section 9011: Forest Biomass for Energy (Repealed) ............................................................. 18
Section 9012: Community Wood Energy Program ................................................................. 19
Section 9013: Biofuels Infrastructure Study (Repealed) ......................................................... 20
Section 9014: Renewable Fertilizer Study (Repealed) ............................................................ 20
Section 9015: Energy Efficiency Report for USDA Facilities ................................................ 21
No Provision: Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative .......................................................... 21
Title VII—Energy-Related Agricultural Research and Extension Provisions ............................... 21
Section 7210: Nutrient Management Research and Extension Program (Repealed) .............. 21
Section 7212: Agricultural Bioenergy Feedstock and Energy Efficiency Research and
Extension Initiative (Repealed) ............................................................................................ 22
Section 7516: Sun Grant Program ........................................................................................... 22

Tables
Table A-1. Biorefinery Assistance Program: Notice of Funds Available (NOFA) ......................... 24
Table A-2. Repowering Assistance Program: Notice of Funds Available (NOFA)........................ 24
Table A-3. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels: Notice of Contract Proposals ................. 25
Table A-4. Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): NOSA & NOFA Announcements ......... 25
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Table A-5. Authorized Funding for 2014 Farm Bill Title IX Energy Provisions, FY2014-
FY2018 ....................................................................................................................................... 26
Table A-6. Authorized Funding for 2008 Farm Bill Title IX Energy Provisions,
FY2008-FY2012b ....................................................................................................................... 28
Table A-7. Title IX- Energy: Comparison of 2014 Farm Bill With Prior Law .............................. 30

Appendixes
Appendix. Supplementary Tables .................................................................................................. 24

Contacts
Author Contact Information........................................................................................................... 34

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Overview
Agriculture-based renewable energy can take several forms, including biofuels such as corn-
based ethanol or soy-based biodiesel, wind-driven turbines located on farmland or in rural areas,
anaerobic digesters that convert animal waste into methane and electric power, or biomass
harvested for burning as a processing fuel or to generate heat as part of an industrial activity.
Since the late 1970s, U.S. policy makers at both the federal and state levels have adopted a
variety of incentives, regulations, and programs to encourage the production and use of
agriculture-based renewable energy (mostly biofuels).1 In particular, the two most widely used
biofuels—ethanol produced primarily from corn starch and biodiesel produced primarily from
soybean oil—have received significant federal support in the form of tax incentives, loans and
grants, and regulatory programs.2 Many of these support programs originate in legislation outside
of the farm bill. Motivations cited for these legislative initiatives included energy security
concerns, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from traditional fossil fuels, and raising
domestic demand for U.S.-produced farm products.
By FY2007 total direct federal biofuels subsidies had grown to over $4 billion per year.3 By
FY2011, federal biofuels subsidies had reached approximately $7.7 billion, of which an estimated
$5.7 billion was attributable to the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) of
$0.45/gallon. However, the VEETC expired at the end of FY2011 and federal subsidies fell to an
estimated $1.3 billion in FY2012—consisting primarily of biodiesel producer tax credits of
approximately $1 billion. The remaining biofuels tax credits—for biodiesel and cellulosic biofuel,
and including a small producers tax credit—expired at the end of FY2013. In their absence, the
funding afforded under the provisions of Title IX of the 2014 farm bill represents the principal
source of federal support for biofuels production and use in the United States.
This report focuses on those policies contained in the 2014 farm bill that support agriculture-
based renewable energy, especially biofuels. The introductory sections of this report briefly
describe how USDA bioenergy policies evolved and how they fit into the larger context of U.S.
biofuels policy. Then, each of the bioenergy provisions of the 2014 farm bill are defined in terms
of their function, goals, administration, funding, and implementation status.
In an appendix at the end of this report, Table A-5 presents data on 2014 farm bill budgetary
authority for energy provisions, while Table A-6 presents the original budget authority for Title
IX programs under the previous 2008 farm bill. A third table (Table A-7) provides a side-by-side
comparison of Title IX energy-related provisions for current versus previous law. Additional CRS
side-by-side comparisons of historical farm-bill energy-related provisions are available for:
• farm bill versions as originating out of the House (H.R. 2642) and Senate (S.
954) of the 113th Congress with both previous and the new law, in CRS Report
R43076, The 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79): Summary and Side-by-Side;

1 For a list of federal incentives in support of biofuels production, see CRS Report R42566, Alternative Fuel and
Advanced Vehicle Technology Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs.
2 See CRS Report R41282, Agriculture-Based Biofuels: Overview and Emerging Issues.
3 CRS estimates based on ethanol production data, tax incentives, and congressional appropriations. These estimates do
not account for the implicit subsidy inherent in biofuels import tariffs.
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• the 2008 farm bill (the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008; P.L. 110-
246) with those of the 2002 farm bill (the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002; P.L. 107-171), in CRS Report RL34130, Renewable Energy
Programs in the 2008 Farm Bill; and
• the 2008 farm bill with those of the 2007 energy bill (Energy Independence and
Security Act of 2007, P.L. 110-140), in CRS Report RL34239, Biofuels
Provisions in the 2007 Energy Bill and the 2008 Farm Bill: A Side-by-Side
Comparison.
Origins of Federal Biofuels Policy
Renewable energy production plays a key role not just in agricultural policy, but also in energy,
tax, and environmental policy. As a result, many of the federal programs that support renewable
energy production in general, and agriculture-based energy production in particular, are outside
the purview of USDA and have origins outside of omnibus farm bill legislation. For example, the
three principal federal biofuels policies of the past decade were all established outside of farm
bills as follows.
• The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandates an increasing volume of biofuels
use and has its origins in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-58). The RFS
was expanded in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA; P.L.
110-140) and divided into four distinct, but nested categories—biodiesel,
cellulosic, advanced, and total—each with its own mandated volume.4
• The volumetric ethanol excise tax credit (VEETC), originally established in the
American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-357), provided a tax credit that
varied in value over the years, but was last at $0.45 per gallon of pure ethanol
blended with gasoline when it expired on December 31, 2011.5
• The ethanol import tariff (a most-favored-nation duty of $0.54 per gallon) was
intended to offset the blending tax credit and was originally established by the
Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-499). The ethanol import tariff also
expired on December 31, 2011.6
In addition to the RFS, VEETC, and import tariff, several other tax credits that originated outside
of farm bills were available for biodiesel production as well as for small producers (less than 60
million gallons per year per plant) of ethanol and biodiesel.7 A substantial number of federal
programs also support renewable energy sources other than biofuels.8 In addition to federal
programs, many states offer additional support to biofuels producers, blenders, and consumers.9

4 See CRS Report R40155, Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): Overview and Issues.
5 For more information, see CRS Report R41282, Agriculture-Based Biofuels: Overview and Emerging Issues.
6 For the origins and history of the import duty, see CRS Report R42566, Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle
Technology Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs; for a discussion of exemptions from the import duty, see
CRS Report RS21930, Ethanol Imports and the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI).
7 Most of these tax credits have expired. See CRS Report R42566, Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Technology
Incentives: A Summary of Federal Programs, by Lynn J. Cunningham et al.
8 For a complete listing of federal programs that support all types of renewable energy, see footnote 7.
9 For information on state programs, see “Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE),” at
(continued...)
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An awareness of the non-USDA federal programs is important for appreciating the role
envisioned for the energy title of the 2014 farm bill, which is designed to provide incentives for
the research and development of new agriculture-based renewable fuels, especially second-
generation biofuels (based on non-food crop biomass such as cellulose and algae), and to expand
their distribution and use.
2002 Farm Bill—First Energy Title
The 2002 farm bill (Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, P.L. 107-171) was the first
omnibus farm bill to explicitly include an energy title (Title IX). The energy title authorized
grants, loans, and loan guarantees to foster research on agriculture-based renewable energy, to
share development risk and to promote the adoption of renewable energy systems.10 Since
enactment of the 2002 farm bill, interest in renewable energy has grown rapidly, due in large part
to a strong rise in domestic and international petroleum prices and a dramatic acceleration in
domestic biofuels production (primarily corn-based ethanol).
2008 Farm Bill—Refocus on Non-Corn-Based Biofuels
Annual U.S. ethanol production expanded rapidly between 2001 and 2011, rising from under 2
billion gallons to nearly 14 billion gallons during that period.11 Similarly, corn use for ethanol
grew from a 7% share of the U.S. corn crop in 2001, to an estimated 40% share of the 2011 corn
crop.12 In 2007 (during the 2008 farm bill debate), about 23% of the U.S. corn crop was used for
ethanol and projections had ethanol’s corn-use share rising rapidly, sparking concerns about
unintended consequences of the policy-driven expansion of U.S. corn ethanol production.
Dedicating an increasing share of the U.S. corn harvest to ethanol production evoked fears of
higher prices for all grains and oilseeds that compete for the same land, higher livestock feed
costs, higher food costs, and lower U.S. agricultural exports. In addition, several environmental
concerns emerged regarding the expansion of corn production onto non-traditional lands,
including native grass and prairie land. As a result of these concerns, policy makers sought to
refocus biofuels policy initiatives in the 2008 farm bill (the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act
of 2008, P.L. 110-246) in favor of non-corn feedstock, especially cellulosic-based feedstock.
Renewable energy policy in the 2008 farm bill became law six months after the enactment of the
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA, P.L. 110-140). A key component of EISA
was a significant expansion of the renewable fuels standard (RFS), which mandates the increasing
use of “advanced biofuels” (i.e., non-corn starch biofuels), whose minimum use must grow from
zero in 2008 to 21 million gallons by 2022.13 The energy provisions of the 2008 farm bill were
intended to reinforce EISA’s program goals via a further refocusing of federal incentives toward
non-corn sources of renewable energy.

(...continued)
http://www.dsireusa.org/index.cfm.
10 For an overview of the 2002 farm bill’s energy title, see CRS Report RL33037, Previewing a 2007 Farm Bill.
11 For a discussion of the rapid growth of the U.S. biofuels sector, see CRS Report R41282, Agriculture-Based
Biofuels: Overview and Emerging Issues, Agriculture-Based Biofuels: Overview and Emerging Issues.
12 USDA, World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Report, February 10, 2014.
13 See CRS Report R40155, Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): Overview and Issues.
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2014 Farm Bill—Extends Most Programs with New Funding
All of the major farm bill energy programs from the 2008 farm bill expired at the end of FY2013
and lacked baseline funding going forward. The enacted 2014 farm bill (P.L. 113-79) extends
most of the renewable energy provisions of the 2008 farm bill, with some notable exceptions.
Key biofuels-related provisions in the enacted 2014 farm bill include
• §9002, which extends the bio-based marketing and federal bio-products
certification programs to encourage federal procurement of bio-based products;
• §9003, which extends the Biorefinery Assistance Program with new funding;
• §9004, which extends the Repowering Assistance Program with new funding;
• §9005, which extends the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels with new
funding;
• §9006, which extends the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program with new funding;
• §9007, which extends the Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP)—
which provides support for rural energy efficiency and self-sufficiency and
biofuels marketing infrastructure—with new funding, but includes a new
provision which precludes the use of REAP funding for any mechanism for
dispensing energy at the retail level—for example, blender pumps;
• §9008, which extends the Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI)
with new funding for biofuels research programs within USDA and the
Department of Energy (DOE);
• §9009, which extends the Feedstock Flexibility Program;
• §9010, which extends the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), including
the Collection, Harvesting, Storage, and Transportation (CHST) component
designed to incentivize the production of cellulosic ethanol feedstock;
• §9011, which repeals the Forest Biomass for Energy Program;
• §9012, which extends the Community Wood Energy Program with new funding;
• §9013, which repeals the Biofuels Infrastructure Study;
• §9014, which repeals the Renewable Fertilizer Study;
• §9015, which adds a new reporting requirement on energy use and efficiency at
USDA facilities;
• §7212, which repeals the Agricultural Bioenergy Feedstock and Energy
Efficiency Research and Extension Initiative; and
• §7526, which reauthorizes, with new funding, the Sun Grant Initiative programs
that provide funding for competitive grants and coordinate research on advanced
biofuels at land-grant universities and federally funded laboratories.
The 2014 farm bill excludes the Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative of the 2008 farm bill by
omission. Each of the above-cited programs is described in detail in the section below entitled
“Major Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill.”
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Funding for Agriculture-Based Energy Programs
In general, two types of funding are authorized by Congress in a farm bill—mandatory and
discretionary. Some farm bill programs identified as receiving mandatory funds (including most
of the bioenergy programs) are automatically funded at levels “authorized” in the farm bill unless
Congress limits funding to a lower amount through the appropriations or legislative process. For
many of these programs, mandatory funding is provided through the borrowing authority of
USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).14 The farm bill may also specify some
discretionary funding as “authorized to be appropriated”—such discretionary funding is actually
determined each year through the annual appropriations process and may or may not reflect the
funding level suggested in the authorizing legislation.
Funding Under the 2008 Farm Bill
The 2008 farm bill authorized slightly over $1 billion in mandatory funding and $1.1 billion in
discretionary appropriations to Title IX energy programs for FY2008-FY2012 (Table A-6).
Mandatory authorizations included $320 million to the Biorefinery Assistance Program, $300
million to the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels, and $255 million to the Rural Energy
for America Program (REAP). The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) was authorized to
receive such sums as necessary (i.e., funding is open-ended and depends on program
participation); however, limits were later set on BCAP outlays under the annual appropriations
process in FY2010, FY2011, and FY2012.15
The $1.1 billion of discretionary funding included $600 million for the Biorefinery Assistance
Program. However, actual discretionary appropriations of $106 million through FY2012 to all
Title IX energy programs were substantially below authorized levels.
As regards mandatory funding, all of the bioenergy provisions of Title IX—with the exception of
Section 9010, the Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers, which is authorized
indefinitely—had mandatory funding only for the life of the 2008 farm bill, FY2008 through
FY2012. As a result, all of the bioenergy provisions in Title IX of the 2008 farm bill, with the
exception of the Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers (Section 9010), expired
on September 30, 2012.16
Funding Under Continuing Resolutions for FY2013
The 112th Congress was unable to complete action on any of the regular FY2013 appropriations
bills during 2012. Instead, a continuing resolution for the first half of FY2013 (CR, P.L. 112-175)
was signed into law on September 28, 2012.17 This was followed by a second CR to provide

14 The CCC is the funding mechanism for the mandatory payments that are administered by various agencies of USDA,
including all of the farm commodity price and income support programs and selected conservation programs. For more
information on mandatory versus discretionary authorizations, see CRS Report R43110, Agriculture and Related
Agencies: FY2014 Appropriations.
15 See CRS Report Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP): Status and Issues.
16 For more information, see CRS Report R42442, Expiration and Extension of the 2008 Farm Bill.
17 See CRS Report R42782, FY2013 Continuing Resolutions: Analysis of Components and Congressional Action.
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appropriations for the second half of FY2013 (P.L. 113-6).18 The Rural Energy for America
Program was the sole Title IX bioenergy program that received an appropriation of discretionary
funds ($3.4 million) in FY2013.
Funding Under ATRA—the 2008 Farm Bill Extension
Many of the 2008 farm bill programs were extended through September 30, 2013, by Section 701
of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA; P.L. 112-240) signed into law by President
Obama on January 2, 2013.19 Under ATRA, discretionary funding was authorized to be
appropriated at the rate that programs were funded under the 2008 farm bill.
Funding Under the 2014 Farm Bill
The five-year reauthorization period (FY2014-FY2018) of the 2014 farm bill (P.L. 113-79)
contains a total of $694 million in new mandatory funding and authorizes $765 million to be
appropriated for the various farm bill renewable energy programs (Table A-5). Details are
provided in the discussion of individual provisions below.
Major Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill
The following is a summary of the bioenergy-related authorities found in the 2014 farm bill,
including (where applicable) a brief description of each program, funding levels, and the status of
program implementation, including any noteworthy changes made by the 2014 farm bill.
Like the two preceding farm bills, the 2014 farm bill (P.L. 113-79) contains a distinct energy title
(Title IX) that extends many of the previous bioenergy programs.20 Four previous provisions are
omitted or repealed, and a new provision, Section 9015, is added to require USDA to submit a
report to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees on energy use and energy efficiency
projects at USDA facilities. Two bioenergy-related provisions in the Research Title (Title VII)—
one extended, one repealed—are also included in the following discussion.
Title IX—Energy Provisions
Section 9001: Definitions
The 2014 farm bill made four substantive modifications to bioenergy related definitions as
follows (7 U.S.C. §8101):

18 Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, P.L. 113-6, March 26, 2013.
19 A crop year refers to the year in which a commodity is harvested, and extends until the start of the succeeding year’s
harvest.
20 For a side-by-side comparison of previous law with the energy provisions of the 2008 farm bill, see Table A-7 at the
end of this report.
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• “biobased product”—similar to prior law except for the explicit inclusion of
forestry materials that meet biobased content requirements, notwithstanding the
market share the product holds, the age of the product, or whether the market for
the product is new or emerging;
• “forest product”—defined as a product made from materials derived from the
practice of forestry or the management of growing timber including pulp, paper,
paperboard, pellets, lumber, and wood products, and any recycled products
derived from forest materials;
• “renewable chemical”—defined as a monomer, polymer, plastic, formulated
product, or chemical substance produced from renewable biomass; and
• “renewable energy system”—a system that produces energy from a renewable
source including distribution components necessary to move energy produced by
such a system to the initial point of sale, but not any mechanism for dispensing
energy at retail (e.g., a blender pump).
The first three modifications were designed to expand access to federal support for renewable
energy to forestry products and renewable chemicals. The new definition for renewable energy
systems was intended to prohibit REAP funds from being used for blender pumps.
Section 9002: Biobased Markets Program
Function: The 2008 farm bill renamed the federal biobased procurements preference program as
the Biobased Markets Program. It requires federal agencies to establish a program with
specifications for procuring biobased products including a national registry of biobased testing
centers, and authorized a voluntary labeling program under which producers of biobased products
may use the label “USDA Certified Biobased Product.” (7 U.S.C. §8102)
Under the Biobased Markets Program, federal agencies and their contractors are required to
purchase biobased products when the cumulative purchase price of procurement is more than
$10,000 or when the quantities of functionally equivalent items purchased over the preceding
fiscal year equaled $10,000 or more. Each federal agency and contractor must procure biobased
products at the highest content levels within each product category unless the agency determines
that the items are not reasonably available, fail to meet applicable performance standards, or are
available only at an unreasonable price.
Administered by: Office of Energy Policy and New Uses (OEPNU), Office of the Chief
Economist (OCE), USDA.21
Program History: The Biobased Markets Program was originally established under the 2002
farm bill as a federal procurement preference program that required federal agencies to purchase
biobased products under certain conditions. USDA refers to the program as the BioPreferred®
Program.22 The final guidelines for the federal preferred procurement program were published on

21 The official USDA biobased markets program website is at http://www.biopreferred.gov/.
22 OEPNU, OCE, USDA, Metrics To Support Informed Decision Making for Consumers of Biobased Products, by
Marvin Duncan, Barbara C. Lippiatt, Zia Haq, Michael Wang, and Roger Conway, AIB No. 803, October 2008.
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January 11, 2005 (70 Fed. Reg. 1792).23 In addition to program guidelines, through June 11,
2013, USDA has promulgated 10 rounds of regulations for the BioPreferred® Program,
designating 127 categories, with over 10,000 products qualifying for preferred federal
procurement.24
The final rule for the voluntary labeling program for biobased products was published on
January 20, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 3790).
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: The 2014 farm bill (P.L. 113-79) extends the Biobased Markets
Program through FY2018 while adding several new implementation requirements, including
reporting of quantities and types of biobased purchases by federal agencies with a focus on
biobased content requirements (explicitly including forest products); mandates (within one year
of enactment) designation of intermediate ingredients or feedstocks and assembled and finished
biobased products according to guidelines; adds auditing and compliance activities to ensure
proper use of biobased labeling; mandates a study and report by USDA to assess economic
impact of biobased product industry (due 180 days after enactment); and encourages expedited
coordination, review, and approval (with appropriate technical assistance) of forest-related
biobased products.
Funding: Under the 2014 farm bill, mandatory Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funding of
$3 million for each of FY2014-FY2018 was authorized for biobased products testing and
labeling. Discretionary funding of $2 million was authorized to be appropriated for each of
FY2014-FY2018. However, no discretionary funding has ever been appropriated for the Biobased
Markets Program through FY2013.
Under the 2008 farm bill, mandatory Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funding of
$9 million was authorized—including $1 million for FY2008 and $2 million for each of FY2009-
FY2012—for biobased products testing and labeling. Discretionary funding of $2 million was
authorized to be appropriated for each of FY2009-FY2012.
Under ATRA, no new mandatory funding was included for the Biobased Markets Program, while
discretionary funding of $2 million was authorized to be appropriated for FY2013. However, no
appropriations were made to this program under either of the CRs for FY2013 (P.L. 112-175 or
P.L. 113-6).
Section 9003: Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased
Product Manufacturing Assistance Program
Function: Originally called the Biorefinery Assistance Program, this program assists in the
development of new and emerging technologies for advanced biofuels.25 Competitive grants and
loan guarantees are available for construction and/or retrofitting of demonstration-scale
biorefineries to demonstrate the commercial viability of one or more processes for converting

23 This is an abridged citation for Federal Register, vol. 70, no. 7, pp. 1792-1812. This abridged format will be used
throughout this report.
24 Available at http://www.biopreferred.gov/ProductCategories.aspx.
25 For more program information, see “Biorefinery Assistance Program,” Business and Cooperative Programs (BCP),
Rural Development (RD), USDA, at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_Biorefinery.html.
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renewable biomass to advanced biofuels. Biorefinery grants can provide for up to 30% of total
project costs. Each loan guarantee is limited to $250 million or 80% of project cost. (7 U.S.C.
§8103)
Administered by: Rural Business and Cooperative Service, Rural Development Agency (RDA),
USDA, in consultation with DOE.
Program History: BAP was newly established under the 2008 farm bill. Mandatory funds are
used for the loan guarantee portion of BAP, whereas discretionary appropriations are to be used to
fund grants.26 However, since Congress never appropriated any discretionary funds for BAP
during the life of the 2008 farm bill, USDA has only moved forward with the loan guarantee
portion of BAP.27 The final rule for the BAP’s guaranteed loans was published on February 14,
2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 8404). A correction was published on January 24, 2012 (77 Fed. Reg. 3379).
For loan guarantees, project lenders (not prospective borrowers) must submit the application.28
Each loan guarantee application undergoes at least three rounds of review within USDA
(including review by the Rural Development Agency, USDA; the National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL), DOE; and the Office of the Chief Economist (OCE), USDA). Average
processing time per application is about nine months. Application fees include both a guarantee
fee and an annual renewal fee.
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: Renames the Biorefinery Assistance Program as the Biorefinery,
Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. Funding for
grants is eliminated. Also, P.L. 113-79 directs USDA to ensure diversity in types of projects
approved and caps the funds used for loan guarantees to promote biobased product manufacturing
at 15% of the total available mandatory funds.
Funding: Under the 2014 farm bill, mandatory CCC funding of $100 million in FY2014 and $50
million each for FY2015 and FY2016 (to remain available until expended) was authorized for
loan guarantees. Thus, there is no new baseline funding after FY2016. Discretionary funding of
$75 million annually was authorized for FY2014-FY2018.
Under the 2008 farm bill, mandatory CCC funding of $75 million in FY2009 and $245 million in
FY2010 (to remain available until expended) was authorized for loan guarantees. Discretionary
funding of $150 million annually was authorized for FY2009-FY2013 for grants under the 2008
farm bill and the ATRA extension. However, no discretionary funding was ever appropriated for
BAP through FY2013. Any mandatory funding unspent from the FY2010 allocation of $245
million remained available through FY2013.
Section 9004: Repowering Assistance Program (RAP)
Function: The Repowering Assistance Program (RAP) makes payments to eligible biorefineries
(i.e., those in existence on the date of enactment of the 2008 farm bill, June 18, 2008) to
encourage the use of renewable biomass as a replacement for fossil fuels used to provide heat for

26 Based on information received by CRS from Kelly Oehler, Branch Chief, Energy Division, RD, USDA.
27 See Table A-1 for a list of USDA BAP funding notices.
28 More information on the BAP loan guarantee applications is available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/
SupportDocuments/BCP_9003_ApplicationGuide0311.doc.
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processing or power in the operation of these eligible biorefineries.29 Not more than 5% of the
funds shall be made available to eligible producers with a refining capacity exceeding 150 million
gallons of advanced biofuel per year. (7 U.S.C. §8104)
Administered by: Rural Business and Cooperative Service, RD, USDA.
Implementation Status: RAP was originally established under the 2002 farm bill as a grant
program to help finance the cost of developing and constructing bio-refineries and biofuels
production plants to carry out projects to demonstrate the commercial viability of converting
biomass to fuels or chemicals.30 The 2008 farm bill altered RAP’s orientation to focus on
converting fossil fuel burning plants to biomass or some other renewable fuel source for
processing energy.
The proposed rule for the Repowering Assistance Program was published on April 16, 2010
(75 Fed. Reg. 20073). After a comment period and subsequent modifications, an interim rule was
published on February 11, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 7916). Individual project awards are limited to $5
million or 50% of total eligible project costs, whichever is less.
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: RAP was extended without changes to program implementation
other than new funding levels.
Funding: Under the 2014 farm bill, mandatory CCC funding of $12 million for FY2014 was
authorized under the 2014 farm bill, to remain available until expended (i.e., no new baseline
funding after FY2014). Discretionary funding of $10 million annually for FY2014-FY2018 was
authorized to be appropriated.
Under the 2008 farm bill, mandatory CCC funding of $35 million for FY2009 was authorized, to
remain available until expended. Discretionary funding of $15 million annually for FY2009-
FY2013 was authorized to be appropriated under the 2008 farm bill and the ATRA extension;
however, only $15 million in FY2010 was appropriated through FY2013. No new mandatory
funding was included for RAP under the ATRA farm bill extension; however, any mandatory
funding unspent from the FY2009 allocation of $35 million remained available through FY2013.
Section 9005: Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels
Function: The 2008 farm bill established a new Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels to
support and expand production of advanced biofuels—that is, fuel derived from renewable
biomass other than corn kernel starch—by entering into contracts with advanced biofuel
producers to pay them for production of eligible advanced biofuels.31 The policy goal is to create
long-term, sustained increases in advanced biofuels production. (7 U.S.C. §8105)
Administered by: Rural Business and Cooperative Service, RD, USDA.

29 For more program information, see “Section 9004: Repowering Assistance Program,” BCP, RD, USDA, at
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_RepoweringAssistance.html.
30 See Table A-2 for a list of USDA RAP funding notices.
31 For more program information, see “Section 9005: Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels,” BCP, RD, USDA, at
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_Biofuels.html.
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Program History: Originally created by a 1999 executive order during the Clinton
Administration, the bioenergy program provided mandatory CCC incentive payments to biofuels
producers based on year-to-year increases in the quantity of biofuel produced. Under the 2002
farm bill, mandatory CCC funding of $150 million was available for each of FY2002 through
FY2006; however, no funding was authorized for FY2007, effectively terminating the program.
The 2008 farm bill’s Section 9005 revived the bioenergy program but refocused its funding to
non-corn-starch biomass sources. Producers of advanced biofuels enter into contracts with USDA
to receive payments based on the quantity and duration of production of advanced biofuels, the
net renewable energy content of the biofuel, and other factors. Only one producer per refinery is
eligible to apply. The interim rule for the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels was
published on February 11, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 7936).
Producers must submit records to document their production of advanced biofuels. Payments will
be made in two tiers. The first tier is based on actual production, while the second tier is based on
incremental increases in production as an incentive to expand annual production on a sustained
basis. Program funding is to be distributed according to the two tiers: in FY2010 the first tier
received 80% of available funds and the second tier receives 20%; in FY2011 the first tier
received 70%, the second tier 30%; in FY2012 the first tier received 60%, the second tier 40%; in
FY2013 and beyond, each tier receives 50%. Payments are capped per recipient to ensure
equitable distribution. Not more than 5% of the funds in any year can go to facilities with total
refining capacity exceeding 150 million gallons per year. Solid advanced biofuels produced from
forest biomass are ineligible for the second tier incremental payment and may not receive more
than 5% of annual program funds.
Since the program’s inception, more than $211 million in assistance payments have been
provided to over 290 advanced biofuel producers in 47 states.32
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: Extends the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels through
FY2018 without changes to program implementation other than new funding levels.
Funding: Under the 2014 farm bill, mandatory CCC funding of $15 million for each of FY2014-
FY2018 was authorized to remain available until expended. Discretionary funding of $20 million
annually for FY2014-FY2018 was authorized to be appropriated under the 2014 farm bill.
However, no discretionary funding has ever been appropriated for the Bioenergy Program for
Advanced Biofuels program through FY2013.
Under the 2008 farm bill, mandatory CCC funding of $55 million for 2009, $55 million for
FY2010, $85 million for FY2011, and $105 million for FY2012 was authorized to remain
available until expended. Discretionary funding of $25 million annually for FY2009-FY2013 was
authorized to be appropriated under the 2008 farm bill and the ATRA extension; however, no
discretionary funding was appropriated through FY2013. In the final FY2012 Agriculture
appropriations act (P.L. 112-55), mandatory spending was limited to $65 million.

32 “USDA Announces Support for Producers of Advanced Biofuel,” USDA News Release No. 0177.13, Sept. 12, 2013.
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Section 9006: Biodiesel Fuel Education Program
Function: The Biodiesel Fuel Education Program awards competitive grants to nonprofit
organizations that educate governmental and private entities which operate vehicle fleets, and
educates the public about the benefits of biodiesel fuel use. (7 U.S.C. §8106)
Administered by: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Office of Energy Policy
and New Uses (OEPNU), OCE, USDA.
Program History: Originally established under the 2002 farm bill, the Biodiesel Fuel Education
Program was extended by both the 2008 and 2014 farm bills. The program is implemented by
USDA through continuation grants. The final rule for the program was published on September
30, 2003 (68 Fed. Reg. 56137).
On July 15, 2003, USDA published a request for applications for the Biodiesel Fuel Education
Program for FY2003 (68 Fed. Reg. 41770). USDA awarded the original program grants to two
entities: the National Biodiesel Board and the University of Idaho. Under the 2008 farm bill,
NIFA obligated its funding to the same two entities for an initial period of one year, but has
agreed to support their efforts through FY2012 contingent on the satisfactory progress of this
project. The program is monitored by the USDA Biodiesel Education Oversight Committee,
which includes a DOE representative.
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: Extends the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program through FY2018
without changes to program implementation other than new funding levels.
Funding: Under the 2014 farm bill, mandatory CCC funds of $1 million are provided annually
for FY2014-FY2018; discretionary funds of $1 million each for FY2014-FY2018 are authorized
for appropriation under the 2014 farm bill.
Under the 2008 farm bill, mandatory CCC funds of $1 million were provided annually for
FY2008-FY2013 under the 2008 farm bill and the ATRA extension.
Section 9007: Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Function: REAP provides financial assistance for:
• grants, guaranteed loans, and combined grants and guaranteed loans for the
development and construction of renewable energy systems (RES) and for energy
efficiency improvement (EEI) projects (eligible entities include rural small
businesses and agricultural producers);
• grants for conducting energy audits and for conducting renewable energy
development assistance (eligible entities include state, tribe, or local
governments; land-grant colleges and universities; rural electric cooperatives;
and public power entities); and
• grants for conducting RES feasibility studies (eligible entities include rural small
businesses and agricultural producers).
Renewable energy systems (RES) include those that generate energy from bioenergy (but
excluding any mechanism for dispensing energy at retail—e.g., a blender pump), anaerobic
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digesters, geothermal, hydrogen, solar, wind, and hydropower. Energy-efficiency improvement
(EEI) projects typically involve installing or upgrading equipment to significantly reduce energy
use (7 U.S.C. §8107).
REAP is administered by the Rural Business and Cooperative Service, RD, USDA.33
Program History
The 2008 farm bill combined elements of two existing programs from the 2002 farm bill—the
Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Program and the RES and EEI Program—into
a single program renamed the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Certain provisions of
REAP have been operating since 2005 under 7 C.F.R. part 4280, subpart B. Regulations for
operating grants and loan guarantees under the 2002 farm bill’s RES and EEI Program were
published on July 18, 2005 (70 Fed. Reg. 41264). A series of Federal Register notices (cited
below) were used to implement the REAP provisions in the 2008 farm bill (i.e., RES feasibility
studies, energy audits, and renewable energy development assistance) until new regulations were
implemented. On April 14, 2011, an interim rule for REAP was published (76 Fed. Reg. 21110) to
consolidate the various REAP programs by including each part of the program in a single subpart
based on USDA experience under the 2002 farm bill energy programs. The interim REAP rule
includes several changes to previous implementation methods: both U.S. citizenship and the rural
area location requirements were removed, and flexible fuel (“blender”) pumps that dispense
variable blends of petroleum and biofuels were included as viable renewable energy development
projects. On April 12, 2013, USDA published a proposed rule for administering the grants and
guaranteed loans program.34
During deliberations on the FY2012 Agriculture Appropriations Act (P.L. 112-55), the House had
agreed, by a recorded vote of 283 to 128, to an amendment (H.Amdt. 475) to its version of the
FY2012 appropriations act, H.R. 2112, that would have prohibited the use of funds for the
construction of ethanol blender pumps or ethanol storage facilities. On June 16, 2011, the Senate
considered a similar amendment (S.Amdt. 411) to separate, unrelated legislation (S. 782) that
would have prohibited the use of REAP funds for the construction of ethanol blender pumps or
ethanol storage facilities. However, the amendment was not agreed to in the full Senate by a 41-
59 vote. Furthermore, the House prohibition on use of REAP funds for blender pumps or ethanol
storage facilities was not included in the final FY2012 Agriculture Appropriations Act (P.L. 112-
55). However, by modifying the definition of a qualifying renewable energy system, the 2014
farm bill excludes blender pumps and any other mechanism for dispensing energy at retail from
access to REAP funding.
According to USDA, more than 8,000 awards were made under REAP programs (and their
predecessor) from FY2003 through FY2011, spanning all agricultural sectors in all states
including more than $339 million in grants and $262 million in loan guarantees. During that
period, REAP funds have helped more than 13,000 rural small businesses and agricultural

33 See http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_Reap.html.
34 USDA, “Rural Energy for America Program—Grants and Guaranteed Loans; Proposed Rule,” Federal Register, Vol.
78, No. 71, April 12, 2013.
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producers and funded more than 1,000 solar projects and more than 560 wind projects.35 See
Table A-4 for a list of USDA REAP funding notices.
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: Extends REAP through FY2018, plus, adds new funding and a
three-tiered application process with separate application processes for grants and loan guarantees
for RES and EEI projects based on the project cost: tier-1 for projects < $80,000; tier-2 for
projects > $80,000 but < $200,000; and tier-3 for projects > $200,000. In addition, a renewable
energy system (RES) was redefined to exclude any mechanism for dispensing energy at retail—
most notably blender pumps.
Funding: Under the 2014 farm bill, mandatory CCC funds of $50 million are authorized for
FY2014 and each fiscal year thereafter (thus REAP’s mandatory funding authority does not
expire with the 2014 farm bill). Mandatory funds are to remain available until expended.
Discretionary funding of $20 million annually was authorized to be appropriated for FY2014-
FY2018.
Under the 2008 farm bill, mandatory CCC funds of $55 million in FY2009, $60 million in
FY2010, $70 million in FY2011, and $70 million in FY2012 were authorized, to remain available
until expended. Discretionary funding of $25 million annually was authorized to be appropriated
for FY2009-FY2012. Actual discretionary appropriations were $5 million in FY2009, $40 million
in FY2010, $5 million in FY2011, and $3.4 million in FY2012.
The FY2011 appropriations act (Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations
Act, 2011; P.L. 112-10) reduced REAP discretionary funds from $25 million to $5 million, but
left REAP’s mandatory funding of $70 million intact. The FY2012 Agriculture Appropriations
Act (P.L. 112-55) limited REAP mandatory spending to $22 million, while discretionary funding
was authorized at $3.4 million, split evenly between grants and loan guarantees.
Under ATRA, no new mandatory funding was included for REAP; however, discretionary
funding of $25 million was authorized to be appropriated for FY2013.
Section 9008: Biomass Research and Development Initiative (BRDI)
Function: BRDI—created originally under the Biomass Research and Development Act of 2000
(BRDA, P.L. 106-224)—provides competitive funding in the form of grants, contracts, and
financial assistance for research, development, and demonstration of technologies and processes
leading to significant commercial production of biofuels, biobased energy innovations,
development of biobased feedstocks, biobased products, and other such related processes,
including development of cost-competitive cellulosic ethanol. Eligibility is limited to institutions
of higher learning, national laboratories, federal or state research agencies, private-sector entities,
and nonprofit organizations.
BRDI provides for coordination of biomass research and development, including life-cycle
analysis of biofuels, between USDA and DOE by creating the Biomass Research and
Development Board to coordinate government activities in biomass research, and the Biomass
Research and Development Technical Advisory Committee to advise on proposal direction and

35 USDA News Release No. 0099.12, March 20, 2012.
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evaluation.36 The 2008 farm bill moved BRDA in statute to Title IX of the 2008 farm bill and
expanded the BRDI technical advisory committee. (7 U.S.C. §8108)
Administered by: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USDA, and DOE, jointly.
Program History: Since 2002 USDA and DOE jointly have announced annual solicitations and
awards of funding allocations under BRDI.37 Under the 2008 farm bill, applicants seeking BRDI
funding must propose projects that integrate science and engineering research in the following
three technical areas that are critical to the broader success of alternative biofuels production:
feedstock development, biofuels and biobased products development, and biofuels development
analysis. A minimum of 15% of funding must go to each area.38 The minimum cost-share
requirement for demonstration projects was increased to 50%, and for research projects to 20%.
From FY2002 through FY2010, more than $202 million was awarded to 110 projects, including
$91.5 million from USDA and $111.1 million from DOE. During the FY2011 to FY2013 period,
USDA announced another $103 million in awards to 17 additional projects.39
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: Extends BRDI through FY2018 without changes to program
implementation other than new funding levels.
Funding: The 2014 farm bill authorizes mandatory funding (to remain available until expended)
of $3 million for four fiscal years—FY2014-FY2017—that is, baseline funding authority expires
after FY2017. Discretionary funding of $20 million is authorized to be appropriated annually for
FY2014-FY2018. However, no discretionary funding has ever been appropriated for BRDI
through FY2013.
The 2008 farm bill authorized mandatory funding (to remain available until expended) of $20
million for FY2009, $28 million for FY2010, $30 million for FY2011, and $40 million for
FY2012. Discretionary funding of $35 million was authorized to be appropriated annually for
FY2009-FY2012. The FY2012 Agriculture appropriations act (P.L. 112-55) did not make any cuts
to the $40 million in mandatory funding for BRDI.
Under ATRA, no new mandatory funding was included for BRDI; however, discretionary funding
of $35 million was authorized to be appropriated for FY2013.
Section 9009: Feedstock Flexibility Program (FFP) for Bioenergy
Producers
Function: The Feedstock Flexibility Program required that USDA establish (in FY2008) and
administer a sugar-for-ethanol program using sugar intended for food use but deemed to be in

36 For more information on the Biomass Research and Development Board, the Technical Advisory Committee, and
project selection, visit http://www.usbiomassboard.gov/.
37 For BRDI current FY2011 and historical (FY2002-FY2010) solicitations and awards visit
http://www.usbiomassboard.gov/initiative/past_solicitations.html.
38 For details on BRDI technical areas see http://www.nifa.usda.gov/nea/plants/in_focus/biobased_if_brdi.html.
39 See USDA News Releases on Biomass Research and Development Grants dated: January 11, 2013; July 25, 2012,
and May 5, 2011.
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surplus. USDA would subsidize the use of sugar for ethanol production through federal purchases
of surplus sugar for resale to ethanol producers. USDA would implement the program only in
those years where purchases are determined to be necessary to ensure that the sugar program
operates at no cost to the federal government. (7 U.S.C. §8110)
The intent of the FFP is to provide the CCC a tool for avoiding sugar forfeitures. Under the sugar
program, domestic sugar beet or sugarcane processors may borrow from the CCC, pledging their
sugar production as collateral for any such loan, and then satisfy their loans either by repaying the
loan on or before loan maturity or by transferring the title for the collateral to the CCC
immediately following loan maturity, also known as ‘‘forfeiture’’ of collateral (as specified in 7
CFR 1435). The CCC is required to operate the sugar program, to the maximum extent
practicable at no cost to the federal government, by avoiding forfeitures to CCC. If domestic
sugar market conditions are such that market rates are less than forfeiture level (i.e., forfeitures
appear likely), current law requires CCC to use FFP to purchase sugar and sell such sugar to
bioenergy producers to avoid forfeitures.
Administered by: Farm Service Agency (FSA), USDA.
Program History: The FFP was implemented effective upon publication of the final rule by
USDA in the Federal Register on July 29, 2013.40 By late July 2013, U.S. sugar prices were
below effective federal support levels, compelling USDA to activate FFP on August 15, 2013, and
use an estimated $148 million of CCC funds to avoid possible sugar forfeitures.41
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: Extends the Feedstock Flexibility Program through FY2018 with no
changes to program implementation.
Funding: Under the 2014 farm bill, mandatory funding authority of such sums as necessary was
extended through FY2018 by the 2014 farm bill. Under the 2008 farm bill, mandatory CCC funds
of such sums as necessary were to be made available. Funding authority was extended through
FY2013 by ATRA.
Section 9010: Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP)
Function: The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) provides financial assistance to
owners and operators of agricultural land and non-industrial private forest land who wish to
establish, produce, and deliver biomass feedstocks to eligible processing plants.42 BCAP provides
two categories of assistance:43
1. establishment and annual payments, including a one-time payment of up to
75% of the cost of establishment for perennial crops, and annual payments (i.e.,

40 “Sugar Program: Feedstock Flexibility Program for Bioenergy Producers,” Federal Register, Vol. 78, No. 145, July
29, 2013.
41 For more information see USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS), Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook, SSS-M-305,
January 16, 2014, and CRS Report R42535, Sugar Program: The Basics.
42 For more information, see CRS Report R41296, Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP): Status and Issues.
43 Farm Service Agency, USDA, “Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), “Fact Sheet,” at
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/bcap_update_may2011.pdf.
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rental rates based on a set of criteria) of up to 5 years for non-woody and 15
years for woody perennial biomass crops; and
2. matching payments, at a rate of $1 for each $1 per ton provided, up to $20 per
ton, for a period of two years, which may be available to help eligible material
owners with collection, harvest, storage, and transportation (CHST) of eligible
material for use in a qualified biomass conversion facility.
Establishment and annual payments are available to certain producers who enter into contracts
with USDA to produce eligible biomass crops on contract acres within designated BCAP project
areas.44 Eligible land for BCAP project area contracts includes agricultural land and non-
industrial private forestland, but does not include federal or state-owned land, land that is native
sod. Lands enrolled in existing land retirement programs for conservation purposes—the
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) or the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
(ACEP)—also become eligible during the fiscal year that their land retirement contract expires.
Generally, crops that receive payments under Title I (the commodity title) of the farm bill (e.g.,
corn, wheat, rice, and soybeans) and noxious weeds or invasive species are not eligible for annual
payments.
Matching payments are available to eligible material owners who deliver eligible material to
qualified biomass conversion facilities. Eligible material must be harvested directly from the land
and separate from a higher-value product (e.g., Title I crops). Invasive and noxious species are
considered eligible material and land ownership (private, state, federal, etc.) is not a limiting
factor to receive matching payments. (7 U.S.C. §8111)
Administered by: Farm Service Agency (FSA), USDA.
Program History: On May 5, 2009, President Barack Obama issued a directive addressing a
variety of advanced biofuel priorities including the implementation of matching payments for
CHST of eligible materials for biomass conversion. On June 11, 2009, USDA published a NOFA
(74 Fed. Reg. 27767) to implement the CHST matching payments component of BCAP. The
NOFA was terminated on February 3, 2010, and, on February 8, 2010, USDA published a
proposed rule for BCAP (75 Fed. Reg. 6264). The final rule was published on October 27, 2010
(74 Fed. Reg. 27767), and implements the full BCAP program, including the annual and
establishment payment. USDA, as required by the 2008 farm bill, submitted a report to the House
and Senate Agriculture Committees in February 2013 on the dissemination of the best practice
data and information gathered from participants receiving assistance under BCAP.45
No BCAP payments were made in FY2008; however, through FY2012, nearly $900 million had
been paid out to projects in 31 states.46 As of June 2012, USDA had selected 11 BCAP project
areas and continued to enroll producers for annual and establishment payments. However, due to
the reduced funding availability imposed by limitations on the availability of mandatory funding
through the annual appropriations process (see above discussion), USDA published an interim

44 See FSA, USDA, “BCAP Project Area Information,” at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=
ener&topic=bcap-pjt.
45 FSA, USDA, BCAP: Biomass Crop Assistance Program: Energy Feedstocks From Farmers & Foresters,” February
2013; available at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/bcap_documentation.pdf
46 For funding and other program details, see CRS Report R41296, Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP): Status
and Issues.
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rule on September 15, 2011 (76 Fed. Reg. 56949), amending the BCAP regulation to provide
specifically for prioritizing limited program funds in favor of the ‘‘project area’’ portion of BCAP.
The limited funding available for BCAP means that not all BCAP requests can be funded. The
interim rule explicitly provides a priority for funding establishment and annual payments for
project area activities because “such activities will produce the greatest long term good in BCAP
by providing an ongoing supply of new biomass.”47 Under the interim rule, matching payments
for CHST would be funded only if resources are available after funding all eligible project area
applications. The interim rule also enables prioritization among project area proposals if eligible
requests exceed available funding.
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: Extends BCAP through FY2018. Changes enrolled land eligibility
by including land under expiring CRP or ACEP easement contracts; includes residue from crops
receiving Title I payments as eligible material, but extends exclusion to any whole grain from a
Title I crop, as well as bagasse and algae. One-time establishment payments are limited to no
more than 50% of cost of establishment, not to exceed $500 per acre ($750/acre for socially
disadvantaged farmers or ranchers). CHST matching payments may not exceed $20 per dry ton
(down from $45 per dry ton) and are available for a two-year period. CHST funding shall be
available for technical assistance. Not less than 10% or more than 50% of funding may be used
for CHST. Not later than four years after enactment of the 2014 farm bill, USDA shall submit to
the House and Senate Agriculture Committees another report on best practices from participants
receiving assistance under BCAP.
Funding: Under the 2014 farm bill, mandatory funding of $25 million was authorized for each of
FY2014-FY2018. No discretionary funding was authorized. Under the 2008 farm bill, mandatory
CCC funds of such sums as necessary were made available for each of FY2008-FY2012. Outlays
were to depend on the number of participants. The 2010 Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L.
111-212) limited BCAP funding to $552 million in FY2010 and $432 million in FY2011. The
Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 (P.L. 112-10), further
reduced BCAP funding for FY2011 to $112 million.
With respect to FY2012 funding, the President’s FY2012 budget proposed to limit funding for
CHST to $70 million. The remaining annual and establishment payment portion of BCAP would
remain at such sums as necessary (SSAN). On June 16, 2011, the House passed an FY2012
appropriations bill (H.R. 2112) that would have eliminated funding for BCAP for FY2012. In
contrast, the Senate FY2012 spending bill left BCAP mandatory spending untouched. In the final
FY2012 Agriculture Appropriations Act (P.L. 112-55), BCAP mandatory spending was limited to
$17 million.
Under ATRA, no new mandatory funding was included for BCAP; however, discretionary
funding of $20 million was authorized to be appropriated for FY2013.
Section 9011: Forest Biomass for Energy (Repealed)
Function: The Forest Biomass for Energy program is a research and development program to
encourage use of forest biomass for energy. The Forest Service, other federal agencies, state and
local governments, Indian tribes, land-grant colleges and universities, and private entities are

47 Federal Register, Vol. 76, No. 179, Thursday, September 15, 2011, p. 56949.
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eligible to compete for program funds. Priority is given to projects that use low-value forest
byproduct biomass for the production of energy; develop processes to integrate bioenergy from
forest biomass into existing manufacturing streams; develop new transportation fuels; and
improve the growth and yield of trees for renewable energy. (7 U.S.C. §8112)
Administered by: Forest Service, USDA.
Program History: The Forest Service never announced any regulations for this program. The
President’s FY2011 and FY2012 budget proposed to fund both the Forest Biomass for Energy
Program and the Community Wood Energy Program using funds from the Hazardous Fuels
Program (Wildland Fire Management) within the Forest Service.
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: The Forest Biomass for Energy program is repealed.
Funding: Program funding authority expired after FY2013. Under the 2008 farm bill,
discretionary funding of $15 million annually was authorized to be appropriated for FY2009-
FY2012. Under ATRA, discretionary funding of $15 million was authorized to be appropriated
for FY2013; however, no funding was ever appropriated through FY2013.
Section 9012: Community Wood Energy Program
Function: The Community Wood Energy Program provides matching grants to state and local
governments to acquire community wood energy systems for public buildings. Participants must
also implement a community wood energy plan to meet energy needs with reduced carbon
intensity through conservation, reduced costs, utilizing low-value wood sources, and increased
awareness of energy consumption. (7 U.S.C. §8113)
Administered by: Forest Service, USDA.
Program History: The Forest Service has pursued the implementation of this program using
funding from their overall State & Private appropriation.48 An agency working group is
developing the work plan for the Community Wood Energy Program, coordinating with Rural
Development (RD) to ensure the new program is complementary with other biomass energy
programs administered by RD. The President’s FY2011 budget proposed to fund both the Forest
Biomass for Energy Program and the Community Wood Energy Program using funds from the
Hazardous Fuels Program (Wildland Fire Management) within the Forest Service. The President’s
FY2012 budget proposal included a similar request to fund both programs using the Hazardous
Fuels Program—$15 million was requested for the Forest Biomass for Energy Program and $3.75
million for the Community Wood Energy Program.
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: Extends the Community Wood Energy Program through FY2018;
defines a Biomass Consumer Cooperative and authorizes grants of up to $50,000 to be made to
establish or expand biomass consumer cooperatives that will provide consumers with services or
discounts relating to the purchase of biomass heating systems or products (including their
delivery and storage); and requires that any biomass consumer cooperative that receives a grant

48 Farm Bill Working Group, Office of Budget and Program Analysis, USDA, “Highlights: Title IX-Energy,”
October 26, 2009.
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must match at least the equivalent of 50% of the funds toward the establishment or expansion of a
biomass consumer cooperative.
Funding: Under the 2014 farm bill, discretionary funding of $5 million annually was authorized
to be appropriated for FY2014-FY2018. No mandatory funding was included.
Under the 2008 farm bill, discretionary funding of $5 million annually was authorized to be
appropriated for FY2009-FY2013. ATRA extended the program through FY2013 but no funding
has been appropriated to date. However, the Forest Service awarded $49 million in funding from
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, P.L. 111-5) for wood-to-energy
projects, and the appropriations committee reports in FY2010 and FY2011 directed the use of $5
million in Hazardous Fuels funds for biomass energy projects.
Section 9013: Biofuels Infrastructure Study (Repealed)
Function: Section 9002 of the 2008 farm bill requested that USDA, DOE, EPA, and the
Department of Transportation (DOT) jointly report on the infrastructure needs, requirements, and
development approaches for expanding the domestic production, transportation, and distribution
of biofuels given current and likely future market trends. A report including the study results was
to be submitted to various related committees in Congress. No deadline was specified and the
report was never undertaken.
Program History: No funding was ever appropriated for this activity.
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: The Biofuels Infrastructure Study requirement is repealed.
Funding: Program funding authority expired after FY2013. Under the 2008 farm bill, no specific
funding was announced for this study and no funding was ever authorized. In addition, no new
funding authority was included in ATRA.
Section 9014: Renewable Fertilizer Study (Repealed)
Function: Section 9003 of the 2008 farm bill required that a report be submitted to the House and
Senate Agriculture Committees within one year of receipt of the appropriations to carry out the
study on the production of fertilizer from renewable energy sources in rural areas. The report was
to be based on a study of the challenges to commercialization of rural fertilizer production from
renewable sources, potential processes and technologies, and the potential impacts of renewable
fertilizer on fossil fuel use and the environment.
Program History: This report was never undertaken.
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: The Renewable Fertilizer Study requirement is repealed.
Funding: Program funding authority expired after FY2013. Under the 2008 farm bill,
discretionary funding of $1 million was authorized to be appropriated for FY2009; however, no
discretionary funding was ever authorized and no new funding authority was included in ATRA.
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Section 9015: Energy Efficiency Report for USDA Facilities
Function: Within 180 days after enactment, USDA must submit a report to the House and Senate
Agriculture Committees on energy use and energy efficiency projects at USDA facilities.
New Provision in 2014 Farm Bill: Requires a new report by USDA on energy use and energy
efficiency projects at USDA facilities.
Funding: No specific funding was authorized for this study by the 2014 farm bill.
No Provision: Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative
Function: The Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative was designed to assist rural communities
with community-wide energy systems that reduce conventional energy use and increase the use of
energy from renewable sources. Grants are available to assess energy use in a rural community,
evaluate ideas for reducing energy use, and develop and install integrated renewable energy
systems. Grants are not to exceed 50% of the total cost of the activity. (7 U.S.C. §8109)
Administered by: Rural Business and Cooperative Service, RD, USDA.
Program History: Regulations were never announced for this program.
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: No provision was included in the 2014 farm bill for the Rural
Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative; hence program funding authority expired after FY2013.
Funding: Program funding authority expired after FY2013. Under the 2008 farm bill and the
ATRA extension, discretionary funding of $5 million annually was authorized to be appropriated
for FY2009-FY2013; however, no funding was ever appropriated.
Title VII—Energy-Related Agricultural Research
and Extension Provisions
Three provisions from the Research title (Title VII) of the 2014 farm bill relate directly to
renewable energy initiatives and are described here.
Section 7210: Nutrient Management Research and Extension
Program (Repealed)
Function: This program provided research and extension grants for the purpose of finding
innovative methods and technologies to allow agricultural operators to make use of animal waste,
such as use as fertilizer, methane digestion, composting, and other useful byproducts. (7 U.S.C.
§5925a)
Administered by: USDA.
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Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: The 2014 farm bill repeals the Nutrient Management Research and
Extension Program.
2014 Farm Bill Funding: No new funding since the program is repealed.
Section 7212: Agricultural Bioenergy Feedstock and Energy
Efficiency Research and Extension Initiative (Repealed)
Function: Established for the purpose of using competitive grants to support research and
extension activities that enhance the production of biomass energy crops and the energy
efficiency of agricultural operations. (7 U.S.C. §5925e)
Administered by: USDA.
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: The 2014 farm bill repeals the Agricultural Bioenergy Feedstock
and Energy Efficiency Research and Extension Initiative.
2014 Farm Bill Funding: No new funding since the program is repealed.
Section 7516: Sun Grant Program
Function: The Sun Grant Initiative (SGI) is a national network of land-grant universities and
federally funded laboratories—coordinated through regional Sun Grant centers—working
together to further establish a biobased economy.49 Competitive grants are available to land-grant
schools within each region to be used towards integrated, multistate research, extension, and
education programs on technology development and implementation. Sun Grant centers are also
charged with reviving America’s farming communities by placing an emphasis on rural economic
development through the production of biobased renewable energy feedstocks.
A provision creating the Sun Grant Program was added subsequent to the 2002 farm bill under the
Sun Grant Research Initiative Act of 2003 (Section 778, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004;
P.L. 108-199). The initiative was originally established with five national Sun Grant research
centers based at land-grant universities (a north-central center at South Dakota State University; a
southeastern center at the University of Tennessee; a south-central center at Oklahoma State
University; a western center at Oregon State University; and a northeastern center at Cornell
University), each covering a different national region, to enhance coordination and collaboration
among USDA, DOE, and land-grant universities in the development, distribution, and
implementation of biobased energy technologies. The 2008 farm bill established a sixth regional
center—a Western Insular Pacific Sub-Center at the University of Hawaii. The designation of
specific universities as regional centers is removed by the 2014 farm bill. (7 U.S.C. §8114)
Administered by: NIFA, USDA. Each regional Sun Grant center manages the programs and
activities within its region, although a process based on peer and merit review is used to
administer grants.

49 See “Sun Grant Initiative,” at http://www.sungrant.org/.
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Program History: As of October 2011, SGI had more than 130 field studies on biomass
feedstocks currently underway with locations in more than 90% of the states.
Since NIFA has been assigned the authority to administer the program, awards made under the
Sun Grant Program are subject to NIFA’s assistance regulations at 7 C.F.R. part 3430 as
announced on November 18, 2010 (Competitive and Noncompetitive Nonformula Federal
Assistance Programs—Administrative Provisions for the Sun Grant Program, 75 Fed. Reg.
70578).
Changes in 2014 Farm Bill: The 2014 farm bill extends the Sun Grant Program with its current
discretionary funding authority (i.e., subject to appropriations) of $75 million annually through
FY2018. It also consolidates and amends the Sun Grant Program to expand input from other
appropriate federal agencies and replace authority for gasification research with bioproducts
research and makes the program competitive by removing designation of certain universities as
regional centers.
Funding: Under the 2014 farm bill, discretionary funding of $75 million annually was authorized
to be appropriated for FY2014-FY2018. Under the 2008 farm bill, discretionary funding of $75
million annually was authorized to be appropriated for FY2008-FY2012. However, only $2.25
million for FY2010 and $2.2 million for FY2012 were appropriated. No new funding authority
was included in ATRA.
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Appendix. Supplementary Tables
Table A-1. Biorefinery Assistance Program: Notice of Funds Available (NOFA)
Date
# of Projects
Guaranteed Loan
Fiscal Year
Federal Register
Announced
Amount
Selected
Value
2009 75
Fed. Reg. 70544
Nov. 20, 2008
$75 million
2a $139
million
2010 75
Fed. Reg. 25076
May 6, 2010
$150 million
4b $255
million
2011 76
Fed. Reg. 13351c Mar. 11, 2011
$129 million
NAd NA
2012 77
Fed. Reg. 4276
Jan. 27, 2012
$0
—
—
2013 78
Fed. Reg. 60822
Oct. 2, 2013
$76 millione NAf $181
million
Source: Federal Register.
Notes: Funding is for guaranteed loans. NA = not available.
a. Initially three projects were selected; however, one was dropped due to ineligibility (a biodiesel retrofit
project in Minnesota).
b. Of the six current projects, four are cellulosic biofuel plants, one is an anaerobic digester, and one is an
algae-to-diesel or jet fuel project.
c. On June 6, 2011, an extension of the NOFA applications deadline to July 6, 2011, was published (76 Fed.
Reg. 32355).
d. As of the closing date for applications (July 6, 2011), USDA had received 13 applications valued at $1.3
billion in requested funding.
e. Carry-over budget authority.
f.
Applications-for-funding deadline was January 30, 2014.

Table A-2. Repowering Assistance Program: Notice of Funds Available (NOFA)
Fiscal Year
Federal Register
Date Announced
Amount
2009 74
Fed. Reg. 28009
June 12, 2009
$20 million
2010 75
Fed. Reg. 24873
May 6, 2010
$8 million
2011 76
Fed. Reg. 13349
Mar. 11, 2011
$25 million
2012 77
Fed. Reg. 5232
Feb. 2, 2012
$25 million
2013 None
—
—
Source: Federal Register.
Notes: Funding is for guaranteed loans. NA = not available.

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Table A-3. Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels: Notice of Contract Proposals
Fiscal Year
Federal Register
Date Announced
Amount
2009 74
Fed. Reg. 27998
June 12, 2009
$30 million
75 Fed. Reg. 11836
Mar. 10, 2010

2010 75
Fed. Reg. 24865
May 6, 2010
$80 milliona
76 Fed. Reg. 7966
Feb. 11, 2011
2011 76
Fed. Reg. 13345
Mar. 11, 2011
$85 million
2012 77
Fed. Reg. 5229
Feb. 2, 2012
$25 millionb
2013 78
Fed. Reg. 34975
June 11, 2013
$98.6 millionc
Source: Federal Register.
Notes: Contract proposals (NOCPs) and awards to biorefineries for the production of advanced biofuels
a. The initial FY2010 NOCP was for $40 million; however, this was was cancelled due to rural location and
citizenship requirements. These requirements were removed in the interim rule of Feb. 11, 2011, and
replaced with a new NOCP for $80 million.
b. USDA announced that, although the 2008 farm bill provided $105 million in mandatory funding to support
payments for advanced biofuels projects in FY2012, the FY2012 Appropriations Act imposed a limitation of
$65 million that can be used for this program in FY2012. As a result, approximately $40 million of
mandatory funding would be used to pay producers for FY2011 fourth quarter and other incremental
payments.
c. This amount includes FY2013 awards of $68.6 million and $30 million for production from prior fiscal
years.

Table A-4. Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): NOSA & NOFA
Announcements
Federal Register

Amount ($ millions)
Fiscal
Year
Type # Date

Total
Grant
Loan
Guarantee
2009 NOSA 74 Fed. Reg. 10533
Mar. 11, 2009
$2.4
$2.4
$0
NOSA
74 Fed. Reg. 24769
May 26, 2009
$60
$60
$0
2010 NOSA 75 Fed. Reg. 21584
Apr. 26, 2010
$88 Unspecified
Unspecified
NOFA
75 Fed. Reg. 29706
May 27, 2010
$2.4
$2.4
$0
NOFA
75 Fed. Reg. 47525
Aug. 6, 2010
$3
$3
$0
2011 NOFA 76
Fed. Reg. 20943
Apr. 14, 2011

$70
at least $42
remainder
2012 NOFA 77
Fed. Reg. 2948
Jan. 20, 2012

$25.4
at least $12.5
remainder
2013 NOFA 78
Fed. Reg. 19183
Mar. 29, 2013

$20.8
at least $10.4
remainder
Source: Federal Register.
Notes: NOSA = Notice of Solicitation of Applications; NOFA = Notice of Funds Available; NA
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Table A-5. Authorized Funding for 2014 Farm Bill Title IX Energy Provisions, FY2014-FY2018
(budget authority in $ millions)
Total
Section
Provision Name
Typea
FY2014
FY2015
FY2016
FY2017
FY2018
FY14-FY18
§9002
Federal Biobased Markets Program
M
3
3
3
3
3
15


Db 2 2 2 2
2 10
§9003
Biorefinery Assistance Program
Mc 100 50 50 0
0 200


Db 75 75 75 75
75 375
§9004
Repowering Assistance Program
Mc 12 0 0 0
0 12


Db 10 10 10 10
10
50
§9005
Bioenergy Program for Adv. Biofuels
Mc 15 15 15 15
15
75


Db 20 20 20 20
20 100
§9006
Biodiesel Fuel Education Program
M
1
1
1
1
1
5


Db 1 1 1 1
1
5
§9007
Rural Energy for America Prog. (REAP)
Mc 50 50 50 50
50 250


Db 20 20 20 20
20 100
§9008
Biomass Research and Dev. Act (BRDA)
Mc 3 3 3 3
0 12


Db 20 20 20 20
20 100
§9009
Feedstock Flexibility Prog. for Bioenergy Productiond M
SSANe SSAN SSAN SSAN
SSAN
SSAN
§9010
Biomass Crop Assistance Prog. (BCAP)
M
25
25
25
25
25
125

D
0 0 0 0
0
0
§9012
Community Wood Energy Program
Db 5 5 5 5
5 25
§9015
Energy Efficiency Report for USDA facilities
Unfunded
Total Mandatory Funding Authorized

209
147
147
97
94
694
Total Discretionary Funding Authorized

153
153
153
153
153
765
Source: P.L. 113-79 (Agricultural Act of 2014).
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Notes: The following Title IX sections are unfunded repeals of programs from the 2008 farm bill: §9011, Forest Biomass for Energy; §9013, Biofuels Infrastructure Study;
§9014, Renewable Fertilizer Study. The previous Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative was repealed by omission. In addition, three energy-related provisions from Title
VII (Research, Extension, and Related Matters) were dealt with as fol ows: the Nutrient Management Research and Extension program was repealed by §7210, the
Biofeedstock and Energy Efficiency Research and Extension Program was repealed by §7212, and the Sun Grant Program was extended (§7516) with authorization for
discretionary funding of $75 million for each of FY2014-FY2018.
a. M = mandatory funding; D = discretionary funding.
b. In the past, many of the discretionary programs have never received any funding or received lesser amounts in the annual appropriations process than originally
authorized in the farm bill.
c. Mandatory funding is to remain available until expended for Title IX programs under the fol owing provisions: §9003, §9004, §9005, §9007, and §9008.
d. This program is triggered when a sugar surplus exists.
e. SSAN = Such sums as necessary.
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Table A-6. Authorized Funding for 2008 Farm Bill Title IX Energy Provisions, FY2008-FY2012b
(budget authority in $ millions)
Sectiona
Provision Name
Type
FY08
FY09
FY10
FY11
FY12
Total
§9002a
Federal Biobased Markets Program
Mand.
1
2
2
2
2
9

Discr.c 0 2 2 2 2
8
§9003a
Biorefinery Assistance Program
Mand.
0
75
245
0
0
320

Discr.c 0 150 150 150 150
600
§9004a
Repowering Assistance Program
Mand.
0
35
0
0
0
35

Discr.c 0 15 15 15 15
60
§9005a
Bioenergy Program for Adv. Biofuels
Mand.
0
55
55
85
105
300

Discr.c 0 25 25 25 25
100
§9006a
Biodiesel Fuel Education Program
Mand.
1
1
1
1
1
5
§9007a
Rural Energy for America Prog. (REAP)
Mand.
0
55
60
70
70
255

Discr.c 0 25 25 25 25
100
§9008a
Biomass Research and Dev. Act (BRDA)
Mand.
0
20
28
30
40
118

Discr.c 0 35 35 35 35
140
§9009a
Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative
Discr.c 0 5 5 5 5
20
§9010a
Feedstock Flex. Prog. for Bioenergy Prod.
Mand. SSAN SSAN SSAN SSAN SSAN
SSAN
§9011a
Biomass Crop Assistance Prog. (BCAP)
Mand.
SSAN
SSAN
SSANd SSANd SSANd SSAN
§9012a
Forest Biomass for Energy
Discr.c 0 15 15 15 15
60
§9013a
Community Wood Energy Program
Discr.c 0 5 5 5 5
20
§9002
Biofuels Infrastructure Study
None
0
0
0
0
0
0
§9003
Renewable Fertilizer Study
Discr.c 0 1 0 0 0
1
Total Discretionary Funding Authorizedc

0
278
277
277
277
1,109
Total Mandatory Funding Authorized

2
243
391
188
218
1,042
Source: P.L. 110-246 (Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008) and P.L. 113-6 (Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013).
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Notes: “SSAN” = Such sums as necessary.
a. Section 9001 of the 2008 farm bill (P.L. 110-246) amends Title IX of the 2002 farm bill (P.L. 107-171). Sections 9001 through 9013 of the table are the amended
section numbers.
b. All mandatory funding authority expired at the end of FY2012, with the exception of the Feedstock Flexibility Program. Authority for discretionary funding was
extended under the Continuing Resolution (P.L. 112-175), for the 1st half of FY2013 effective October 1, 2012, through March 27, 2013; the American Taxpayer
Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA; P.L. 112-240, §701), and P.L. 113-6 (Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013) which appropriated funds for the 2nd
half of FY2013.
c. Many of the discretionary programs never received any funding or received lesser amounts through the annual appropriations process than originally authorized in
the farm bill.
d. The authority for funding under BCAP was reduced to 552 million in FY2010 and 432 million in FY2011 under the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010 (P.L.
111-212). BCAP funding for FY2011 was reduced a second time to 112 million under the Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act,
2011 (P.L. 112-10). Final y, the FY2012 Agriculture appropriations act (P.L. 112-55) reduced BCAP funding to 17 million for FY2012.




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Table A-7. Title IX- Energy: Comparison of 2014 Farm Bill With Prior Law
Prior Law/Policy—Energy
Enacted 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)
Definitions
Advanced Biofuel. Fuel derived from renewable
Same as prior law. [Sec. 9001]
biomass other than corn kernel starch. Includes biofuel
derived from sugar and starch other than corn kernel
starch, renewable biodiesel, biogas produced from
organic matter, as well as other fuels (e.g., home heating
fuels, and aviation and jet fuels) from cellulosic biomass
(including organic waste material). [7 U.S.C. 8101(3)]
Biobased Product. A commercial or industrial
Same as prior law. [Sec. 9001]
product—i.e., intermediate, feedstock, or end product
(other than food or feed)—composed in whole or in
part of biological products including renewable
agricultural and forestry materials. [7 U.S.C. 8101(4)]
Biofuel. A fuel derived from renewable biomass.
Same as prior law. [Sec. 9001]
[7 U.S.C. 8101(5)]
Biomass Conversion Facility. A facility that converts
Same as prior law. [Sec. 9001]
renewable biomass into heat, power, biobased products,
or advanced biofuels. [7 U.S.C. 8101(6)]
Biorefinery. A facility (including equipment and
Same as prior law. [Sec. 9001]
processes) that converts renewable biomass into biofuels
and biobased products, and may produce electricity.
[7 U.S.C. 8101(7)]
No comparable provision.
Forest Product. A product made from materials
derived from the practice of forestry or the management
of growing timber including pulp, paper, paperboard,
pellets, lumber, and wood products, and any recycled
products derived from forest materials. [Sec. 9001]
Renewable Biomass. Includes- (A) materials, pre-
Same as prior law. [Sec. 9001]
commercial thinnings, or invasive species from National
Forest System land and public lands that are: byproducts
of designated preventive treatments (removed to reduce
hazardous fuels, to reduce or to contain disease or insect
infestation, or to restore ecosystem health), not used for
higher value products, and harvested in accordance with
applicable law and land management plans and
requirements for old-growth maintenance, restoration,
and management and large-tree retention, or (B) any
organic matter available on a recurring basis from non-
federal or Indian land including: renewable plant material
(including agricultural commodities, plants and trees, and
algae) and waste material (including crop residue,
vegetative waste, wood waste and residues, animal waste
and byproducts, and food and yard waste).
[7 U.S.C. 8101(12)]
No comparable definition.
Renewable Chemical. A monomer, polymer, plastic,
formulated product, or chemical substance produced
from renewable biomass. [Sec. 9001]
Renewable Energy. Energy derived from a wind, solar,
Same as prior law. [Sec. 9001]
renewable biomass, ocean (including tidal, wave, current,
and thermal), geothermal, or hydroelectric source.
[7 U.S.C. 8101(13)]
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Prior Law/Policy—Energy
Enacted 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)
No comparable definition.
Renewable Energy System. A system that produces
energy from a renewable source including distribution
components necessary to move energy produced by
such a system to the initial point of sale, but not any
mechanism for dispensing energy at retail (e.g., a blender
pump). [Sec. 9001]
Authorized Programs
Biobased Markets Program. Requires federal
Extends the Biobased Markets Program through FY2018
agencies to purchase products with maximum biobased
including, in addition to preference for biobased
content subject to availability and flexibility and
products, establish a targeted biobased-only
performance standards. Minimum biobased content
procurement requirement for federal agencies. Limits
standards applied to federal contracts on case-by-case
reporting on the availability, relative price, performance
basis. Continued voluntary labeling. Authorized
and environmental and public health benefits of biobased
mandatory funding of $1 million for FY2008 and $2
materials subject to the availability of data. Adds
mil ion annual y for FY2009-FY2012; no mandatory
reporting requirements of quantities and types of
funding was authorized for FY2013. Authorized to be
biobased products purchased by procuring federal
appropriated $2 million annual y for FY2009-FY2013 for
agencies and a focus on biobased content requirements
testing and labeling. [7 U.S.C. 8102]
(explicitly including forest products). Mandates (within 1
year of enactment) designation of intermediate
ingredients or feedstocks and assembled and finished
biobased products according to guidelines. Adds auditing
and compliance activities to ensure proper use of
biobased labeling. Mandates study (and report) by USDA
to assess economic impact of biobased product industry,
due within one year of enactment. Encourages expedited
coordination, review and approval (with appropriate
technical assistance) of forest-related biobased products.
Authorizes mandatory funding of $3 million annual y for
FY2014-FY2018. Authorizes to be appropriated $2
mil ion annual y for FY2014-FY2018. [Sec. 9002]
Biorefinery Assistance Program. Assists in
Renamed as the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical,
development of new and emerging technologies for
and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance
advanced biofuels by providing competitive grants (up to
Program. Extends and expands the program to include
30% of total project costs) and loan guarantees (limited
renewable chemical (as defined above in Sec. 9001) and
to $250 million or 80% of project cost) for construction
biobased product manufacturing (defined as
and/or retrofitting of demonstration-scale biorefineries
development, construction, and retrofitting of
to demonstrate the commercial viability of one or more
technologically new commercial-scale processing and
processes for converting renewable biomass to advanced
manufacturing equipment and required facilities used to
biofuels. Provided mandatory funding of $75 million in
convert renewable chemicals and other biobased outputs
FY2009 and $245 million in FY2010, available until
into commercial-scale end products). Extends loan
expended, for loan guarantees. Authorized to be
guarantee availability to the development and
appropriated $150 million annual y for FY2009-13 for
construction of renewable chemical and biobased
grants. [7 U.S.C. 8103]
product manufacturing facilities, directs USDA to ensure
diversity in types of projects approved, and caps the
funds used for loan guarantees to promote biobased
product manufacturing at 15% of the total available
mandatory funds. Eliminates grant funding. Authorizes
mandatory funding of $100 million for FY2014 and $50
million each for FY2015-FY2016 to remain available until
expended, plus it authorizes to be appropriated $75
mil ion for each of FY2014-FY2018. [Sec. 9003]
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Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Prior Law/Policy—Energy
Enacted 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)
Repowering Assistance ProgramProvides funds to
Extends prior law through FY2018. Authorizes
reduce or eliminate the use of fossil fuels for processing
mandatory funding of $12 million for FY2014, available
or power in biorefineries in existence at enactment. Not
until expended. Authorizes to be appropriated $10
more than 5% of funds are available to eligible producers
mil ion annual y for FY2014-FY2018. [Sec. 9004]
with a refining capacity exceeding 150 million gal ons of
advanced biofuel per year. Provided mandatory CCC
funding of $35 million for FY2009, available until
expended. Authorized to be appropriated $15 million
annual y for FY2009-FY2013. [7 U.S.C. 8104]
Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels.
Extends the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels
Provides payments to producers to support and expand
Program through FY2018. Authorizes mandatory funding
production of advanced biofuels by entering into
of $15 million for each of FY2014-FY2018, available until
contracts to pay producers for production of eligible
expended. Authorizes to be appropriated $20 million
advanced biofuels. Provided mandatory funding of $55
annual y for FY2014-FY2018. [Sec. 9005]
mil ion (FY2009), $55 million (FY2010), $85 million
(FY2011), and $105 million (FY2012), available until
expended. Authorized to be appropriated $25 million
annual y (FY2009-13) [7 U.S.C. 8105]
Biodiesel Fuel Education Program. Awards
Extends the Biodiesel Fuel Education Program through
competitive grants to nonprofit organizations that
FY2018. Authorizes mandatory funding of $1 million
educate fleet operators and the public on biodiesel
annual y for FY2014-FY2018. Authorizes to be
benefits. Provided mandatory CCC funding of $1 million
appropriated $1 million annual y for FY2014-FY2018.
annual y (FY2008-FY2012). Authorized to be
[Sec. 9006]
appropriated $1 million for FY2013. [7 U.S.C. 8106]
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
Extends REAP through FY2018. Adds a council (as
Provides financial assistance of grants, guaranteed loans,
defined in section 1528 of the Agriculture and Food Act
and combined grants and guaranteed loans for the
of 1981) as an eligible entity, Adds a 3-tiered application
development and construction of renewable energy
process with separate application processes for grants
systems (RES) and for energy efficiency improvement
and loan guarantees for RES and EEI projects based on
(EEI) projects (eligible entities include rural small
the project cost: tier-1 for projects < $80,000; tier-2 for
businesses and agricultural producers); grants for
$80,000 < projects < $200,000; and tier-3 for projects >
conducting energy audits and for conducting renewable
$200,000. Mandatory funding of $50 million is authorized
energy development assistance (eligible entities include
for FY2014 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain
state, tribe, or local governments, land-grant colleges and available until expended. Authorizes to be appropriated
universities, rural electric cooperatives, and public power $20 million annual y for FY2014-FY2018. [Sec. 9007]
entities); and grants for conducting RES feasibility studies
(eligible entities include rural small businesses and
agricultural producers). Grants are limited to $500,000
for RES and $250,000 for EEI activities up to 25% of the
cost of the RES or EEI activity. Loan guarantees are
limited to a max of $25 million and a min of $5,000 up to
75% of the cost of a funded activity. Provides mandatory
funds: $55 million (FY2009), $60 mil ion (FY2010), $70
mil ion (FY2011), and $70 million (FY2012), available until
expended. Authorizes $25 million annually, subject to
appropriations (FY2009-FY2013). [7 U.S.C. 8107]
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Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Prior Law/Policy—Energy
Enacted 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)
Biomass Research & Development Initiative
Extends BRDI through FY2018. Authorizes mandatory
(BRDI). Provides competitive funding as grants,
funding of $3 million annual y for four fiscal years,
contracts, and financial assistance for research,
FY2014-FY2017, to remain available until expended.
development, and demonstration of technologies and
Authorizes to be appropriated $20 million annual y for
processes leading to commercial production of biofuels
FY2014-FY2018. [Sec. 9008]
and biobased products. Provides for coordination
between USDA and DOE work related to biofuels and
biobased products research and development programs
through the Biomass Research and Development Board.
Provides mandatory funding: $20 mil ion (FY2009), $28
mil ion (FY2010), $30 million (FY1022), and $40 million
(FY2012). Authorizes to be appropriated $35 million
annual y (FY2009-FY2013). [7 U.S.C. 8108]
Rural Energy Self-Sufficiency Initiative. Provides
No provision. Hence, program funding authority would
cost-share grants (up to 50%) for rural communities to
expire after FY2013.
assess energy systems and make improvements.
Authorizes to be appropriated $5 million annual y
(FY2009-FY2013); however, no funds were ever
appropriated and no rules were ever promulgated.
[7 U.S.C. 8109]
Feedstock Flexibility Program. Authorizes use of
Extends the Feedstock Flexibility Program through
CCC funds (such sums as necessary) to purchase sugar
FY2018. [Sec. 9009]
(intended for food use but deemed to be in surplus) for
resale as a biomass feedstock to produce bioenergy.
USDA would implement the program only in those years
where purchases are determined to be necessary to
ensure that the sugar program operates at no cost to the
federal government. [7 U.S.C. 8110]
Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP).
Extends BCAP through FY2018. Changes enrol ed land
Provides financial assistance to owners and operators of
eligibility; includes residue from crops receiving Title I
agricultural land and nonindustrial private forest land
payments as eligible material, but extends exclusion to
who wish to establish, produce, and deliver biomass
any whole grain from a Title I crop, as well as bagasse
feedstocks under two categories of assistance: (A)
and algae. One-time establishment payments are limited
establishment and annual payments provided under
to no more than 50% of cost of establishment, not to
contract between USDA and participating producers,
exceed $500 per acre ($750/acre for socially
including a one-time payment of up to 75% of cost of
disadvantaged farmers or ranchers). CHST matching
establishment for perennial crops, and annual payments
payments may not exceed $20 per dry ton but are
(rental rates based on a set of criteria) of up to 5 years
available for a 2-year period. Not later than 4 years after
for non-woody and 15 years for woody perennial
enactment, USDA shal submit a report on best practice
biomass crops, and (B) matching payments at a rate of $1 data and information gathered from participants. Also, it
for each $1 per ton provided, up to $45 per ton, for a
provides that funding under the subsection shal be
period of 2 years to help eligible material owners with
available for technical assistance. Mandatory funding of
collection, harvest, storage, and transportation (CHST)
$25 million is authorized for each of FY2014-FY2018.
of eligible material for use in a qualified biomass
Not less than 10% or more than 50% of funding may be
conversion facility. Eligible material excludes Title I crops, used for CHST. [Sec. 9010]
animal waste and byproducts, food and yard waste, and
algae. Provides mandatory CCC funding of such sums as
necessary annual y for FY2008-FY2012. Authorized to be
appropriated $20 million for FY2013. [7 U.S.C. 8111]
Forest Biomass for Energy Program. Requires the
Repeals the Forest Biomass for Energy Program.
Forest Service to conduct a competitive research and
[Sec. 9011]
development program to encourage use of forest
biomass for energy. Authorized to be appropriated $15
mil ion annual y (FY2009-FY2013). [7 U.S.C. 8112]
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Energy Provisions in the 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)

Prior Law/Policy—Energy
Enacted 2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79)
Community Wood Energy Program. Provides
Extends the Community Wood Energy Program through
grants of up to $50,000 for up to 50% of the cost for
FY2018. Defines Biomass Consumer Cooperative.
communities to plan and install wood energy systems in
Authorizes grants of up to $50,000 to be made to
public buildings. The energy system acquired with grant
establish or expand biomass consumer cooperatives that
funds shal not exceed an output of 50,000,000 Btu per
will provide consumers with services or discounts
hour for heating and 2 megawatts for electric power
relating to the purchase of biomass heating systems or
production. Authorized to be appropriated $5 million
products (including their delivery and storage). Any
annual y (FY2009-FY13). [7 U.S.C. 8113]
biomass consumer cooperative that receives a grant
must match at least the equivalent of 50% of the funds
toward the establishment of expansion of a biomass
consumer cooperative. Authorizes to be appropriated
$5 million annual y for FY2014-FY2018. [Sec. 9012]
Biofuels Infrastructure Study. Required USDA to
Repeals the requirement to conduct the study (and
conduct a study (and report) to assess the infrastructure
report). [Sec. 9013]
needs for expanding the domestic production, transport,
and distribution of biofuels given current and likely future
market trends with recommendations for such
infrastructure through 2025 based on needs, costs, and
other factors. No specific time frame or funding was
provided. [Sec. 9002 of P.L. 110-246]
Renewable Fertilizer Study. Required USDA to
Requirement to conduct the study is repealed.
conduct a study to assess the current state of knowledge
[Sec. 9014]
on the potential for the production of fertilizer from
renewable energy sources in rural areas. Study was to be
completed within one year of receiving an appropriation.
Authorized to be appropriated $1 million for FY2009.
[Sec. 9003 of P.L. 110-246]
No comparable provision.
Energy Efficiency Report for USDA Facilities.
Within 180 days after enactment, USDA is required to
submit a report to the House and Senate Agriculture
Committees on energy use and energy efficiency projects
at USDA facilities. [Sec. 9015]
Source: Title IX- Energy, The Agricultural Act of 2014; P.L. 113-79.
Notes: For a comparison of prior and enacted law with the provisions in the House and Senate versions of the
2014 farm bill (i.e., the Senate-Passed S. 954 and the House-Passed H.R. 2642) see CRS Report R43076, The
2014 Farm Bill (P.L. 113-79): Summary and Side-by-Side.

Author Contact Information
Randy Schnepf
Specialist in Agricultural Policy
rschnepf@crs.loc.gov, 7-4277

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