USDA Bioenergy Program Participants Announced

A total of 34 ethanol production facility expansions are anticipated as part of the USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation Bioenergy Program for 2001. The program is designed to encourage increased ethanol and biodiesel production by providing funding to offset part of the cost of purchasing commodities above and beyond what was used in the previous fiscal year. A total of $150 million is available allocated for fiscal year 2001. An increase of 246.2 million gallons of ethanol and 36.5 million gallons of biodiesel is anticipated during fiscal year 2001. The program is expected to be funded again in the next federal budget year. For more information, call 816-926-6525 or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/daco/bio_daco.htm