USDA is looking to “cut the red tape” making it easier to invest in rural America. On Monday, USDA also announced steps to streamline access to four flagship loan programs. The programs include the Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees Program, Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program, Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program, and the Rural Energy for America Guaranteed Loan Program.

Under the initiative, USDA will eliminate duplicative processes and launch a single platform for the four loan programs. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says the changes “will make it easier for private lenders to use USDA programs to invest in rural businesses and grassroots rural economic development efforts." USDA is seeking public comments on the regulatory reforms expected to take effect on October 1, 2020. USDA also plans to conduct a series of listening sessions this summer on the proposed changes.

For more information on how to register for the listening sessions, check out the USDA's Website.


If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com

More From PNW Ag Network