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Today's Feature

Small map of the United States that links to information about current disaster areasNew: Disaster Declarations and Assistance

Hurricane Recovery Resources for
Florida Families

Link to Sept.-Oct. issue. Cover: AGP soybean meal loaded at the Grays Harbor, Washington, Port for transport to the Pacific Rim. Photo by Marc Sterling, courtesy Grays Harbor Port.Rural Cooperatives
Magazine
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National Cooperative Month Logo: USDA salutes the 48,000 user-owned co-ops

National Cooperative Month October 2004
Rural Development Cooperative Services

On The Move...

Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2004:  National Hispanic Heritage Month 2004 / En Español

Oct. 2004:  National Cooperative Month

What's New

Under Secretary Gonzalez presents a ceremonial check for over $1 million to Missouri farmers and ranchersRural Development Acting Under Secretary Gilbert Gonzalez (click photo for full-size view) recently visited Missouri to recognize Missouri farmers and ranchers who were awarded more than $1 million in value-added agricultural product market development grants to help them develop and market new products.
Full Story / Recipients List

Pictured (L to R):  Kerry Buchmayer, Owner of Greenhills Harvest; Keith Allen, Owner of Allen Farm Inc.; Kenny Hulshof, U.S. Representative; Drew Kimmel, Manager of Missouri Northern Pecan Growers; Gil Gonzalez, Acting Under Secretary; John Tarpoff, President of Gateway Beef Cooperative; Nathan Chitwood, Missouri Rural Development Community and Business Programs Specialist; Scot Shively, President of Premium Ag Products; Greg Branum, Missouri Rural Development State Director; Adam Blaue, President of Heartland Farm Foods.

Rural Development News

First Responder Initiative
Agriculture Secretary Veneman announced that $100 million is committed for a new USDA First Responder Initiative to support rural emergency responder efforts by prioritizing the financing for needed equipment and services.
Full Story / Recipients List
Loan and Grant Programs for First Responders

Agriculture Secretary Veneman announced approval of 97 value-added agricultural product market development grants in 34 states, totaling over $13.1 million. The grants will help farmers and ranchers increase their economic opportunities through the development of new products and markets for agriculturally based products.
Full Story / Recipients List

Agriculture Secretary Veneman announced the selection of Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants totaling more than $24.6 million, providing greater educational opportunities and medical service to rural residents in 45 states and two U.S. territories.
Full Story / Recipients List

Agriculture Secretary Veneman announced the approval of $95.2 million in Rural Development broadband loans.
Full Story

Audit Guidance Now Available
The Rural Development Audit Program is available for independent public accountants to help them conduct audits of recipients of Rural Development grants, loans and loan guarantees.
Rural Development Audit Program (PDF)

Acting Under Secretary for Rural Development Gilbert Gonzalez announced the solicitation of public comment on proposed program rules for administering the renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements program.
Full Story / Federal Register Notice (PDF)

Agriculture Secretary Veneman announced that 36 applicants from 19 states have been selected to receive over $17 million in loan and grant funds to assist with job and business development.
Full Story / Recipients List

Agriculture Secretary Veneman announced the approval of $405.5 million for 16 loan applications to expand rural electric service in 15 states.
Full Story

Agriculture Secretary Veneman announced $16,087,747 in rural development assistance for Ohio.
Full Story / Recipients List

Agriculture Secretary Veneman announced several projects to mark the Department of Agriculture's "Celebration of America's First Farmers" which honors the relationship between USDA and Native Americans.
Full Story / Tribal College Initiative Grant Recipients List

Home Page Archive

2002 Farm Bill Logo (farm building encircled by stars and stripes): Link to our Farm Bill siteRural Development and the 2002 Farm Bill

Technology icon--telephone jacks displayed on top of a computer chip: link to our broadband program sitePresident Bush's Broadband Initiative

5-Star Commitment to Expand Rural Minority Homeownership5-Star Commitment to Expand Rural Minority Homeownership

White House Faith-Based and Community Initiatives: Link to USDA's InitiativesFaith-Based and Community Initiatives at USDA

Picture of rural community being developed. Scene shows construction of housing, new businesses, and expansion of the infrastructure.Search
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Rural Development is within the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administers rural business, cooperative, housing, utilities and community development programs.

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