(October 24, 2011 Albuquerque, NM) USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner today announced that his office is seeking applications to increase the production and use of renewable energy sources as part of the Bioenergy Program for Advanced Biofuels. The program was authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill to provide financial support for the development of renewable energy projects that provide sources of energy other than petroleum based products. The application deadline is Monday, October 31, 2011 for Federal Fiscal Year 2012.

The program is open to "Advanced Biofuels Producers," which are certain entities, including individuals, corporations and non-profit entities, that produce and sell "advanced biofuels." Advanced biofuels are derived from renewable biomass to include cellulose, sugar and starch, crop residue, vegetative waste material, animal waste, food and yard waste, vegetable oil, animal fat, and biogas (including landfill gas and sewage waste treatment gas). Successful applications approved in New Mexico have included recycled vegetable oil processed into bio diesel and the production of wood pellets from recycled wood.  

To learn more about this program and to obtain application materials, contact the New Mexico USDA-Rural Development State Office, Business and Cooperative Programs at 505.761.4953 or kim.giang@nm.usda.gov . To view the regulation for this program, go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/4288b.pdf (Advanced Biofuel Payment Program).

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at any local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov 

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