# USDA Funds Louisiana Bagasse Supply Chain

On October 2, 2026, USDA Rural Development awarded a **$74,975 Rural Business Development Grant** to the South Central Planning and Development Commission for technical assistance to strengthen the sugarcane bagasse supply chain in Lafourche Parish, Louisiana. The work is intended to support local farming, transportation, and biofuel manufacturing businesses. The announcement identifies a grant award, not an open solicitation, so contractors should not treat it as an active bid opportunity.

- The award may create downstream needs for technical assistance or business support among local supply-chain participants; the announcement does not specify procurements or subcontracting opportunities.
- Companies serving rural businesses or biofuel supply chains can assess whether their capabilities align with the Commission’s planned assistance, while recognizing that no specific contracting path or solicitation is identified.
- The award was made through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grant program, providing a concrete example of federal funding supporting rural biofuel-related supply-chain development.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 02, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA Rural Development)

### Vendors
- South Central Planning and Development Commission (SCP&DC) (awardee)

### Key Quotes
> This investment empowers the South Central Planning and Development Commission to support local businesses while optimizing our regional sugarcane bagasse supply chain.
> — Troy Romero, Louisiana State Director, USDA Rural Development

### Sources
- [USDA Rural Development Awards Grant to South Central Planning and Development Commission to Strengthen Bagasse Supply Chain | Rural Development](https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-rural-development-awards-grant-south-central-planning-and-development-commission-strengthen) - USDA