USDA Establishes Loan Project Regarding Energy Production from Cattle Products

May 21, 2004 -- Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced May 17, 2004, a new loan guarantee pilot project aimed at developing renewable energy systems from the use of cattle products as a raw material.

?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 allocated.

Notice of the funding availability appeared in the May 18 Federal Register and can be accessed at Federal Register Notice on the World Wide Web.

Staff contact: Paul Rodgers (304) 647-9981

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