USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) has scheduled a July 16 forum to introduce the new Biorefinery, Renewable Chemicals, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. The event can be attended in person or via webinar.

Formerly known as the Biorefinery Assistance Program, the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemicals, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program was expanded by the 2014 Farm Bill. The program, previously focused primarily on biofuels, provides loan guarantees to eligible biorefinery projects. Major changes to the program include the addition of renewable chemicals and biobased product manufacturing to the program area and a streamlined two-phase application process designed to limit the expense to applicants.

The USDA published a final rule for the revamped program in June. In early July, the RBS announced it is soliciting applications for the program and indicated it is setting two different application cycles for the program. The deadline for the first cycle is Oct. 1, with the deadline for the second cycle set for April 1, 2016.

During the July 16 forum, speakers from the RSB will discuss changes to the loan guarantee program in order to educate applicants on changes to program eligibility and the new application process. The RSB has requested that those who would like to attend the forum in person register by 12:00 p.m. EDT on July 14. Those who wish to participate via webinar can register prior to or during the webinar. The two-hour event is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. EDT on July 16 in Washington, D.C. Additional information on the forum and directions on how to register are available on the Federal Register website.