$500 Million In Payments To Florida Producers Begin Today Under Hurricane Assistance Program Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced that payments began to producers impacted by hurricanes under the Florida Hurricane Disaster Assistance Program. This program, announced by President Bush on Aug. 27, 2004, financially assists agricultural producers who suffered citrus, fruit, vegetable, nursery and related damages due to Hurricanes Charley, Frances and/or Jeanne during August and September of 2004.
	Veneman Announces $8.8 Million in Broadband Grants Agriculture Secretary Veneman announced the $8.8 million in broadband community connect grants will be award to 16 communities in 10 states to connect essential community in rural towns and communities where no broadband service exists.
	New Funding Source Available for Rural Economic Development The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the creation of a new rural development program that will provide a long term funding mechanism for loans and grants to rural America.
	USDA Awards Grants to Assist Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Agriculture Secretary Veneman today announced that USDA is awarding 22 competitive grants totaling more than $5.9 million to strenthen efforts aimed at serving minority and disadvantaged farmers.
	Questions and Answers Concerning U.S.- Japan Beef Trade Agreement

			USDA Results Agenda Progress report on the President's Management Initiatives (PDF).				CO-OP Month Celebrating community during October.
			Healthy Forests Initiative Improving the health of our forests and rangelands.				USDA eGov Making USDA, electronically available any place, any time.

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		Agricultural Outlook Forum 2005 (Feb 24-25, 2005)