The National Rural Grocery Summit Planning Committee is seeking presentation proposals for the National Rural Grocery Summit on June 24-25, 2024 in Montgomery, Ala. The summit, held every two years, is billed as "the premier networking and resource-sharing venue for independent grocers and rural food access stakeholders." Past presenters have included grocers, … [Read more...]
President announces over $5 billion investment in rural communities
WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden traveled to Northfield, Minnesota on Nov. 1 to highlight federal investments in Rural America. During the visit, Biden announced over $5 billion in new investments from his "Investing in America" agenda – including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Biden, cabinet members, and senior … [Read more...]
USDA extends application deadline to Nov. 7 for high energy cost grants
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it is extending the application deadline to Nov. 7, 2023, for the High Energy Cost Grants program. The original deadline was Oct. 31. In September 2023, USDA announced it was seeking applications from energy providers to lower costs for people in rural areas. The grants will help providers offset costs for … [Read more...]
USDA looks to expand domestic fertilizer production, double cropping
Kankakee, Ill. – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack recently highlighted progress made in partnering with farmers and American businesses to increase innovative domestic fertilizer production and in making it easier for U.S. farmers to grow food through the practice of double cropping. USDA also announced $52.6 million in awards under the Fertilizer … [Read more...]
Senators introduce Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Tina Smith (D-MN) recently introduced the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act of 2023. The legislation extends and enhances the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). Established in the 2008 farm bill, RMAP assists rural entrepreneurs who are unable to access credit from traditional lenders by providing loans … [Read more...]