TL/DR –
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recapped its major initiatives for 2023. Tens of thousands of farmers have been supported in continuing their operations and increasing revenue due to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Key projects included assisting over 30,000 distressed farmers through the Inflation Reduction Act, providing the largest farm safety net in history totalling $207 billion, investing over $1.8 billion to enable 250,000 people in rural communities to access high-speed internet, enrolling a record number of farmers and acres in voluntary conservation programs, and providing nearly $500 million in loans to expand over 300 businesses in the meat and poultry processing industry.
WASHINGTON, December 22, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Achievements in 2023
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is celebrating the end of 2023 by showcasing projects and partnerships that have boosted economic prosperity for farmers and communities nationwide. Thanks to President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, USDA has significantly enhanced rural America’s economic conditions, supported numerous farmers, connected rural communities to the internet, mitigated climate change, and more.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack commented on past policies favoring large-scale farming and shared the positive impacts of recent approaches better suited for rural communities’ needs. These changes have started to benefit farmers and communities in tangible ways, laying the foundation for the work planned for 2024.
In 2023, USDA initiated historic efforts to bolster the agricultural economy and rural communities. Here are some of these key achievements:
Support to Keep Farmers Farming
As of December 2023, USDA has helped over 30,000 farmers and ranchers who were in financial distress continue their farming activities, thanks to resources provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act. In addition to this, USDA has streamlined FSA loan applications and developed an online, interactive application making the loan process more accessible and less time-consuming.
Moreover, the Risk Management Agency (RMA) has provided the largest farm safety net in history, a record $207 billion in protection for American agriculture. RMA also invested over $6.5 million in agreements and partnerships to educate underrepresented voices in the crop insurance sector.
Connecting Rural Communities
Through the ReConnect Program, USDA has made significant investments to bridge the digital divide in rural America. In 2023, USDA awarded more than $1.8 billion for 96 projects that will help more than 250,000 people in rural communities access high-speed internet. The majority of these awards were funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), furthering the ReConnect Program’s aim to connect over 300,000 rural Americans.
Record Enrollment in Conservation and Clean Energy Programs
Through the Inflation Reduction Act, USDA has enrolled record numbers of farmers and acres in voluntary conservation programs. Additionally, USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) made 2,059 investments totaling over $362 million in 2023 to help farmers and rural businesses access renewable energy systems.
Protecting Communities from Wildfire and Increasing Tree Canopy
In Fiscal Year 2023, USDA’s Forest Service achieved key milestones in addressing the wildfire crisis, restoring national forests and supporting rural communities. Through the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Awards, $197 million was invested in 100 projects in 22 states and seven tribes impacted or threatened by wildfires. Additionally, USDA announced over $1 billion investment in urban tree planting and maintenance.
Increased Support for Small Businesses Through USDA Food Purchases
In Fiscal Year 2023, 63 percent of USDA’s purchases for domestic nutrition programs came from small businesses. This increase of 8 percent over Fiscal Year 2022 demonstrates USDA’s efforts to diversify its procurement contracts and provide additional opportunities for small and mid-sized farmers to penetrate new markets.
Reducing Hunger and Promoting Health
USDA provided healthy food and nutrition education to 1 in 4 Americans through federal nutrition assistance programs in 2023. It expanded access to school meals in an estimated 3,000 more school districts and invested nearly $30 million in school meal enhancements in 264 small and rural communities.
Leveling the Playing Field for Producers
In line with President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in America’s Economy, USDA has increased competition in agricultural markets and created a fairer playing field for all producers. This includes nearly $500 million in investments to increase capacity in the meat and poultry processing industry, and stronger enforcement under the Packers and Stockyards Act.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has been transforming America’s food system, promoting competition and fair markets, ensuring access to healthy food, building new markets using climate-smart practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department. For more information, visit www.usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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