USDA Establishes a Pilot Project for Renewable Energy
Funding Small Businesses that Generate Energy Production from Cattle Products

“This program will provide guaranteed loans for rural small businesses to develop the means to effectively destroy these specified risk materials from cattle while providing a bio-based source of energy,” Veneman said.

In January, USDA expanded the list of specified risk materials prohibited in the food supply as an additional firewall to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). In addition, the Food and Drug Administration announced that it intends to prohibit specified risk materials in food regulation by the agency.

The maximum amount of total loan guarantees under the pilot program will be $50 million. USDA anticipates up to three awards will be made. There is no dollar restriction associated with any one award provided the amount requested is within the $50 million allotted. The amount of the loan guarantee cannot exceed 50 percent of the total project cost.

Applicants must submit their application and one copy to the USDA State Rural Development Office where the proposed project is located or where the borrower is headquartered. The notice of funding availability appears in the May 18 Federal Register. All applications must be received by August 16.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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