More on BCAP

The following excerpts were taken from the National Newsletter of the Mulch and Soil Council, June 2010

On June 9th, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture's Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research held a hearing to "Review Implementation of 2008 Farm Bill Energy Title."  Section 9001 of the 2008 Farm Bill established the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). Coordinating with the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) and the Society of American Florists (SAF), the Mulch&Soil Council had the opportunity to submit questions for key committee members to pose to USDA officials during the hearing.

During the hearing, Administrator Coppess was grilled heavily by U.S. Representatives Kathy Dahlkemper (D-PA) and Walt Minnick (D-ID) conveying the message that caution should be advised before BCAP rule making destroys jobs and existing markets in the forest byproducts industry.  BCAP rules are currently under development by USDA following the close of public comments on April 9.

The following excerpts were taken from Hearing Transcript of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research to review the implementation of the 2008 Farm Bill energy title.

Rep. Minnick (D-ID) expressed his concern that there was no feedback on BCAP subsidies and constituents will be upset because of the rising cost of inputs.  He explained that 95 percent of bark is going for fuel or mulch, which causes traditional users to have to pay more to use resources when competing with subsidized industries.  He also stated that the cost of BCAP programs affects every consumer in America.  Mr. Coppess said that he understands these concerns and will address them as soon as possible.  Rep. Minnick (D-ID) asked if USDA was going to protect traditional producers.  Mr. Coppess said they are not ignoring the concern, will tailor final rule to make certain that there are no unintended consequences.  When asked if there was a timeline for tailoring this final rule, Mr. Coppess said the fall or earlier. They are waiting on the Environmental Impact Statement.

Rep. King (R-IA) asked if it was possible for subsidized biobased products to be shipped overseas. Mr. Coppess said that it is possible because there are no restrictions on the sale of these products.  He then asked if there was a safeguard from people just burning subsidized wood products.  Rep. King emphasized that USDA has the responsibility to monitor how subsidies are being spent.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT THE MULCH AND SOIL COUNCIL WEBSITE www.mulchandsoilcouncil.org