$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 Provides Nearly $3.3 Million to Protect Agricultural Land in 16 States
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced that an additional $3,255,000 of fiscal year 2004 funds have been distributed to 16 states to protect productive agricultural land through the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP).