October is Rural Cooperative Month, but what are rural cooperatives? That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. October is Rural Cooperative Month and a part of USDA Rural Development focuses on business cooperatives and their vital role in rural economies. Rural Business Cooperative Service Administrator Karama Neal provides various examples of rural business cooperatives and how they serve customers …
USDA Investing $320 Million to Strengthen Supply Chains
The USDA is investing in supply chains. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA is investing $320 million to create new and better markets for agricultural producers and food businesses in 19 states across rural America. “Our goal is to expand processing capacity, create fairer markets and more revenue streams and market opportunities to help bring down …
USDA Announces Funding to Help Farmers, Ranchers and Rural Businesses Invest in Renewable Energy Systems and Energy-Efficiency Improvements
President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Energy Costs, Builds America’s Clean-Energy Economy in Rural America (USDA-RD/WASHINGTON, March 31, 2023) — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is accepting applications starting on April 1 for $1 billion in grants to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses invest in renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements. …
Vilsack Announces New Independent Processors Funding
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Monday announced an $89 million investment to finance the startup and expansion of independent meat processors. USDA also announced the department’s initial steps to create a more competitive marketplace for seeds and other agricultural inputs. Vilsack says the investment “will promote competition, support producer income, strengthen the supply chain, and increase economic opportunity in rural communities.” …
USDA Announces Fertilizer Production Grants
While speaking at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $500 million in grants is available to increase American-made fertilizer production. It’s an effort to spur competition and combat price hikes on U.S. farmers caused by the war in Ukraine. “Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President …
Applications Open for Rural High-Speed Internet Program
Helping households get high speed internet. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA is accepting applications for the ReConnect Program loans and grants to expand access to high-speed internet. The agency is making over $1 billion available for the program, a critical piece of the effort to connect every American to affordable and reliable high-speed internet. Congress approved …
Funding to Boost Biofuel Sales
A national push to increase sales of biofuels. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA is accepting applications for $100 million in grants to increase the sale and use of biofuels derived from U.S. agricultural products. USDA is making the funding available through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP).This program seeks to market higher blends of ethanol …