Secretary Vilsack Announces Funding to Improve Rural Electric Service for Customers in 12 States
NEW ORLEANS, February 18, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that rural electric cooperatives and utilities in 12 states will receive loan guarantees to improve generation and transmission facilities and implement smart grid technologies. The announcement was made on the Secretary’s behalf by USDA Rural Utilities Acting Administrator John Padalino during the annual meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in New Orleans.
USDA Announces 45th General Sign-Up for the Conservation Reserve Program
MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 16, 2013-Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced at the National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will conduct a four-week general sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), beginning May 20 and ending on June 14.
Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Addresses Access to Credit for Veterans, Young and Beginning Farmers in Texas
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Feb. 14, 2013—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack talked with veterans, young, beginning and socially-disadvantaged producers today at a community center in San Antonio, Texas, about USDA’s work to expand credit for their farming operations. USDA is hearing from excited producers all across the country about USDA’s new microloan program, designed to help small and family operations secure loans under $35,000. Since 2009, said Vilsack, USDA has continued to expand the overall number of loans to beginning farmers and ranchers as well as its lending to socially-disadvantaged producers by significant margins.
USDA Highlights 2012 Investments to Build Stronger Rural Communities
WASHINGTON, January 9, 2013 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued a report highlighting USDA Rural Development’s fiscal year (FY) 2012 investments in job creation, businesses, infrastructure and housing for Americans living in rural communities across the nation.
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