Rural Development

Last week, the USDA announced that eight companies nationwide were receiving grant dollars to beef up domestic fertilizer production.  Perfect Blend LLC, headquartered in Othello-WA, will receive part of the $29 million announced under the USDA’s Fertilizer Production Expansion Program.   “Today...

USDA celebrated the first National Biobased Products Day on Wednesday to highlight the accomplishments of people and organizations working to improve sustainability.   “By setting aside March 8 as National Biobased Products Day, we honor the 20 years of progress the BioPreferred Program has achieved,” said USDA Rural Development Undersecretary Xochitl Torres Small.   Congres...

Last week, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced he was nominating Xochitl Torres Small for the Ag department deputy secretary position that will soon be vacated.   “Under Secretary Torres Small who is currently operating our Rural Development missionary has done a terrific job of communicating the mission of Rural Development and understands and appreciates the important role that Department of Agri

Last week, USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small unveiled the Rural Data Gateway.  The effort is a new resource to make the Department's data for rural projects easier to access for its partners and people living in rural communities.  ...

One of the top points of discussion at this year’s American Bankers Association Ag Bankers Conference was the 2023 Farm Bill.  You may ask yourself, why do bankers care about the farm bill.  Ed Elfmann, Senior Vice President for Ag and Rural Banking Policy at the ABA says despite what many think, a large portion of the banking industry is connected to rural America, and the Farm Bill has a direct

The USDA is out with a series of USDA rural development funding mechanisms are targeting improved market opportunities for rural economies.   “We are highlighting 242 investments totaling $981 million that will create economic opportunities for people and businesses and diverse communities and industries throughout 47 states Guam and the US Virgin Islands," noted rural business cooperative se

USDA’s Rural Development undersecretary faced numerous complaints from rural U.S. Senators about complicated grant applications, office staffing, and broadband grant duplication at a recent Farm Bill hearing.  Xochitl Torres Small defended her agency’s handling of its many functions, calling most criticisms the result of having to balance costs and fairness.  But she did agree t...

Earlier this week, USDA Rural Development Undersecretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that the agency is awarding $110 million in grants to improve healthcare facilities in rural towns across America.  These grants will help 208 rural healthcare organizations expand critical services for five million people in 43 states and Guam.   “...

USDA will invest $7 million in a rural Clackamas County internet provider, with the hopes of providing broadband service to 500 unserved households.  USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh made the announcement Tuesday at Clear Creek Communications.   “...

The Department of Agriculture this week announced $121 million in funding for “critical infrastructure” to combat climate change in rural America.  The investments include $111 million for 289 projects to help people living in socially vulnerable communities.      “Rural Am...