WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2021 – USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the department is accepting applications for funding to develop, build or retrofit commercial-scale biorefineries.

USDA is making the funding available through the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Products Manufacturing Assistance Program. The funding also may be used to convert renewable chemicals and other bio-based outputs of biorefineries into end-user products on a commercial scale.

These loan guarantees are intended to create jobs and diversify markets for agricultural and forestry products and agricultural waste material. They also increase the energy independence of the United States and promote resource conservation, public health and the reduction of climate pollution.

The Department is announcing two separate application cycles.

Applications must be submitted to the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Program Processing Division by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Oct. 1, 2021, and by 4:30 p.m. EDT April 1, 2022. To download application materials, visit: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/biorefinery-renewable-chemical-and-biobased-product-manufacturing-assistance. 

USDA Rural Development encourages applicants to consider projects that will advance key priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration to help rural America build back better and stronger. Key priorities include combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, addressing the impacts of climate change and advancing equity in rural America.

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