rural america
Biden launches ‘Investing in Rural America’ push
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden and administration officials are kicking off an “Investing in Rural America” event series, starting with a visit to a Minnesota farm Wednesday to announce nearly $5 billion for conservation, economic development and “climate smart” agriculture. Biden, who is running for reelection in 2024, has been highlighting what the administration calls […]
‘The internet is no longer a luxury’: $667M from USDA for rural broadband
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will spend another $667 million on rural broadband loans and grants, the department said Monday, marking the fourth round of Biden administration funding under a program that the 2021 infrastructure law invigorated. Nearly three-quarters of the funding, $493 million, will go toward grants, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said on a […]
Over $700M in funding for rural broadband projects unveiled by USDA
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Monday announced it will send $714 million to help rural areas in 19 states connect to the internet, including tens of millions of dollars in loans and grants for Washington state. The Washington state projects include: A $9.2 million grant and a $4.6 million loan for Public Utility District […]
Crop growers and Cantwell press for Washington state Farm Bill priorities
With work underway in Congress to draft a new version of a major agricultural policy law, Washington producers of crops like apples, cherries and potatoes, backed by Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., are emphasizing the importance of programs to support farming research and expand overseas markets for U.S.-grown goods. But the latest negotiations to reauthorize the […]
Farm families are struggling to grow their businesses in child care deserts
Kerissa and Charlie Payne are beginning farmers living their dream of raising two daughters on a farm in Central Ohio. By conventional measures, their livestock farm, Covey Rise, is a success. Yet, below the surface, the challenge of finding quality affordable child care has kept their business from growing and reaching its full potential. “It […]
Rural electric co-ops to get $10.7B in USDA funds for clean energy grants, loans
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin to administer two loan and grant programs worth nearly $11 billion to boost clean energy systems in rural areas, administration officials said Tuesday. Congress approved the federal spending — $9.7 billion for a grant and loan program the department is calling the New Empowering Rural America program, or […]
The U.S. is undergoing its worst bird flu outbreak ever. Is a poultry vaccine the answer?
WASHINGTON — The deadliest outbreak of bird flu in U.S. history is prompting growing concern in Congress, and Department of Agriculture researchers are awaiting the preliminary results of four trials of vaccines for poultry. Some lawmakers are warming to the idea of a vaccination campaign, long considered a fringe idea due to the cost and […]