The U.S. Department of Agriculture is kicking off an effort this month to improve access to billions of dollars of federal funds for rural economic and community development. By the end of May, the Rural Partners Network will station federal field staff in over 25 rural communities to help local leaders secure federal funding for businesses, high-speed internet, clean … [Read more...]
Grant applications open for farmers and ranchers to access markets
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small announced this month that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help farmers and ranchers maximize the value of the items they produce. USDA is making the grants available under the Value-Added Producer Grants program. The grants help agricultural producers … [Read more...]
USDA invests $1 billion in rural community facilities
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh announced on Jan. 26 that USDA is investing $1 billion to build and improve critical community facilities in 48 states, Puerto Rico and Guam (PDF, 449 KB). This infrastructure funding will increase access to health care, education and public safety while spurring community development and … [Read more...]
USDA touts loan guarantee program
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced USDA is deploying $100 million under the new Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program to make available nearly $1 billion in loan guarantees; these loan guarantees will back private investment in processing and food supply infrastructure. The funding is available through the American Rescue … [Read more...]
USDA to Invest $21M in Drought Resilience Projects in 2022
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will invest $21 million next fiscal year in water conservation and drought resilience projects in 13 Western states through the WaterSMART initiative. Farmers, ranchers and communities in Western states continue to face significant drought-related challenges. WaterSMART is a collaboration between the Natural Resources Conservation Service … [Read more...]