Listening Session Focuses On Rural Development

Last week's Farm Bill listening sessions focused on the rural development, and the Department's ability to support and promote rural prosperity.  Bette Brand, USDA Administrator for Rural Business Service said new tools in the 2018 Farm Bill are designed to achieve goals such as rural broadband e-connectivity.

"It authorizes loans, grants and other assistance to rural communities for broadband services, prioritizing assistance to rural communities that lack access to high-speed broadband."

In addition, the Farm Bill looks to expand credit to rural communities.

"The Farm Bill expands our ability to offer credit across rural America, with changes to population limits in several of our guaranteed loan programs. It also establishes provisions for rural communities, business development and rural infrastructure."

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