About RD

Welcome to USDA Rural Development. We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Through our programs, we help rural Americans in many ways.

We offer loans, grants and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services such as housing, health care, first responder services and equipment, and water, electric and communications infrastructure.

We promote economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks, credit unions and community-managed lending pools. We offer technical assistance and information to help agricultural producers and cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness of their operations.

We provide technical assistance to help communities undertake community empowerment programs. We help rural residents buy or rent safe, affordable housing and make health and safety repairs to their homes.

  • Leadership

    USDA Rural Development is headed by Anne Hazlett, who is the Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development.   Learn More >

  • Offices

    USDA Rural Development has a loan portfolio of more than $224.5 billion to bring enhanced economic opportunity to the Nation's rural communities. To accomplish its goals, it relies on a...Learn More >

  • Agencies

    USDA Rural Development is divided into three agencies with unique missions to bring prosperity and opportunity to rural areas. Learn More >

  • Initiatives

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  • Farm Bill

    The Agricultural Act of 2014 is important legislation that provides authorization for services and programs that impact every American and millions of people around the world. The Farm Bill...Learn More >