Biofuel Producer Program

The Department of Agriculture Rural Housing Service Washington Office Rural Business Cooperative Services distributes relief payments to biofuel producers experiencing unexpected market losses from COVID-19 under CFDA 10.378, with the most recent grant awards made on May 26, 2023.

The program makes direct payments to eligible biofuel producers based on documented qualifying market losses in calendar year 2020, either from decreased production or operation at a gross profit loss. Applicants submit completed forms to EnergyPrograms@usda.gov; the agency reviews submissions for completeness, applicant eligibility, and qualifying market loss, with payments calculated across all applicants based on aggregate loss volume. Recipients must retain supporting documentation for three years. Assistance disburses 60 to 90 days following the application deadline. Funds carry no restrictions on use.

The program is essentially inactive for new applicants. The portfolio shows 212 total Project Grant awards spanning 2022 to 2023, with 106 awards made in each year. The most recent awards were issued on May 26, 2023—more than three years ago. The program obligated $763.9 million in federal dollars across all awards, with no discernible new funding cycles or open solicitations in the source material. Award values vary significantly, ranging from near-zero to approximately $3 million per recipient; representative May 2023 awards to biofuel producers included $1.79 million, $2.96 million, $2.81 million, and $2.72 million. The program is wholly funded by the Department of Agriculture Rural Housing Service Washington Office Rural Business Cooperative Services, which administered all 212 awards. No grant opportunities are currently open or posted.