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...]
Farm Bill 101: Inside the Legislation
The bill that decides how America eats is on the table again. Up for renewal is the Farm Bill, a $1.5 trillion package of laws that governs everything from agriculture to rural community development, to nutritional assistance, renewable energy and more. The Farm Bill is reauthorized every five years, with the 2018 version set to expire on September 30. The … [Read more...]
Opinion: Upswing in direct purchasing brings challenges for small meat processors
By Johnathan Hladik, policy director, Center for Rural Affairs One of the great benefits of living in a rural community is our ability to enjoy food grown locally. Families appreciate easy access to high quality nutrition. Many farms and ranches depend on these local sales. Like so much of our daily life, this system was disrupted by COVID-19. When work is … [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...]
Paycheck Protection Program fact sheet released today by the Center for Rural Affairs
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate have passed a stimulus bill that would restart the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Today, the Center for Rural Affairs released a fact sheet for small businesses with information on how to apply for the program, who qualifies, and tips for success. “The COVID-19 pandemic presents … [Read more...]