About RD

Welcome to USDA Rural Development. We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Through our programs, we help rural Americans in many ways.

We offer loans, grants and loan guarantees to support essential services such as housing, economic development, health care, first responder services and equipment, and water, electric and communications infrastructure.

We promote economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks, credit unions and community-managed lending pools. We offer technical assistance and information to help agricultural producers and cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness of their operations.

We provide technical assistance to help communities undertake community empowerment programs. We help rural residents buy or rent safe, affordable housing and make health and safety repairs to their homes.

USDA Rural Development has a $215.8 billion portfolio of loans. We will administer $38 billion in loans, loan guarantees and grants through our programs in the current fiscal year.

  • Mission & History

    Welcome to USDA Rural Development. We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Through our programs, we help rural Americans in many ways. ...Learn More >

  • Farm Bill

    The Agricultural Act of 2014 is important legislation that provides authorization for services and programs that impact every American and millions of people around the world. The Farm Bill...Learn More >

  • Leadership

    USDA Rural Development is headed by an Under Secretary who is directly appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U. S. Senate. ...Learn More >

  • Offices

    USDA Rural Development has a current loan portfolio of more than $200 billion to help carry out its mission to bring enhanced economic opportunity to the Nation's rural communities. To...Learn More >

  • Agencies

    USDA Rural Development is divided into three agencies with unique missions to bring prosperity and opportunity to rural areas. Learn More >

  • Initiatives

    USDA Rural Development prioritizes funding toward projects under the following initiatives: Learn More >