Policy: USDA Rural Development, 2009 Progress Report

Source: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
"Today, rural America is home to about 50 million people. While agriculture is still a significant driver in rural America, only 6.5 percent of the rural work-force is directly employed in farm production. This means that USDA must support not only the farms, but also the communities that surround and support them."

"USDA Rural Development is central to this community-building effort. We have three main areas of focus that drive short- and long-term economic opportunity: business, utilities, and housing. We bring businesses to rural America; finance water, electricity, broadband, and telecommunications infrastructure; and build houses and community facilities. Additionally, thanks to the last two Farm Bills, we have new loan and grant programs that fund development and commercialization of renewable energy sources and encourage wise use of our energy resources."

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WWW: www.rurdev.usda.gov