Oriskany, NY (WIBX) - Three groups are working together to offer farmers in Herkimer and Oneida counties the opportunity to establish, produce and deliver biomass feedstock.

The USDA Farm Service Agency is teaming up with ReEnergy and SUNY ESF to gather interest for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program.

Those participating in BCAP will be eligible to receive payments of 75% of establishment costs, along with annual rental payments to grow shrub willow on their property.

The shrub willow will then be bought by ReEnergy for conversion into renewable energy. Currently, the company has agreed to purchase all biomass grown over an 11 year period for use.

A public meeting is scheduled for July 31st, from 2:30p.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Office in Oriskany.

A full list of meeting times can be found below:

 

July 24th:

2:30-4:00p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 55 Bare Hill Rd. - Malone, NY

6:00-7:30p.m. at VFW Post 1231, 34 Gouveneur St. - Canton, NY

July 30th:

2:30-4:00p.m. at the CCE Jefferson County Office, 203 N. Hamilton St. - Watertown, NY

6:00-7:30p.m. at the Town Courthouse and Conference Room, 5533 Bostwick St. -Lowville, NY

July 31st:

2:30-4:00p.m. at the CCE Oneida County Office, 121 Second St. - Oriskany, NY

6:00-7:30p.m. at the CCE Jefferson County Office, 203 N. Hamilton St. - Watertown, NY

More From WIBX 950