WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has selected 31 priority areas to receive $13 million in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding as part of the WaterSMART Initiative (WSI). These investments will help producers on private working lands better conserve water resources in … [Read more...]
USDA offers community connect broadband funding for underserved communities
The United States Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for funding to provide broadband service in unserved rural areas. USDA is making grants available under the Community Connect Grant program for Fiscal Year 2021. The program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically challenged … [Read more...]
USDA’s new rule expands access to broadband funding under select rural development programs
WASHINGTON – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand has announced that USDA released a final rule to allow the use of funds under select programs to help expand access to broadband services for America’s rural businesses and residents. Effective immediately, entities may be eligible to use up to 10 percent of a … [Read more...]
New USDA survey to measure areas for improvement
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new annual survey of farmers, ranchers and private forestland owners. The survey will help USDA understand what it is doing well and where improvements are needed, specifically at the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA). A selection of … [Read more...]
Legislation would extend loan forgiveness to rural businesses
The Center for Rural Affairs announced that months after the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law, Congress is considering legislation that would include rural businesses and communities initially left out of the stimulus package. The Rural Equal Aid (REA) Act, a bipartisan measure led by U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA), will provide … [Read more...]