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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has supported rural economic prosperity through projects with initiatives such as supporting farmers in financial distress, connecting rural communities to the internet, and promoting climate change mitigation efforts. In 2023, USDA helped over 30,000 farmers and ranchers stay on their farms thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, reducing loan application processes and providing a record $207 billion in protection for American agriculture. Additionally, the USDA enrolled more farmers in conservation programs than ever before, helped rural communities access the internet through the ReConnect Program, invested in renewable energy systems, supported small businesses through food purchasing, expanded nutrition assistance programs, increased competition in agricultural markets and continued to break records in farm income and agricultural exports.
USDA Champions Economic Prosperity for Farmers, Families, and Communities Nationwide
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has celebrated the achievements of 2023, emphasizing a series of projects and partnerships aimed at elevating economic prosperity for farmers and rural communities. Through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, USDA has successfully assisted thousands of farmers, expanded internet access in rural areas, and made strides in climate change mitigation.
Boosted Support for Farmers
In 2023, USDA provided relief to over 30,000 financially distressed farmers through the Inflation Reduction Act’s Section 22006, allocating $3.1 billion for direct and guaranteed loans. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has supplied around $1.7 billion in immediate assistance. Additionally, USDA has significantly improved loan application processes, slashing form lengths from 29 to 13 pages, and rolling out an online, interactive loan application platform.
Strengthening Rural Connectivity
Through the ReConnect Program, USDA invested more than $1.8 billion in 96 projects aimed at providing affordable, high-speed internet to over 250,000 people in rural communities. This initiative, largely funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), will benefit over 11,000 farms and nearly 500 educational facilities.
Historic Enrollment in Conservation and Clean Energy Programs
Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, USDA enrolled a record number of farmers in conservation programs, contributing to climate-smart agriculture. In 2023 alone, USDA aided nearly 5,300 producers across all 50 states. Under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), USDA made over 2,000 investments in renewable energy systems, enabling farmers and rural businesses to lower energy costs and fortify their operations.
Protecting Communities and Enhancing Urban Resilience
In 2023, USDA’s Forest Service surpassed key milestones in addressing wildfire crisis, restoring national forests, and bolstering rural communities, treating a record 4.3 million acres of land to reduce wildfire risks. Additionally, USDA invested $1 billion in urban tree planting, heat and climate change mitigation, and improving nature access in urban areas.
Increased Support for Small Businesses and Nutrition Initiatives
In Fiscal Year 2023, USDA sourced 63% of purchases for domestic nutrition programs from small businesses, a rise of 8% from the previous year. USDA’s suite of federal nutrition assistance programs reached 1 in 4 Americans, boosting access to nutritious food options and nutrition education resources. This includes an expansion of online purchasing in the SNAP program for greater convenience and accessibility.
Enhancing Fair Play in Agricultural Markets
Consistent with President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in America’s Economy, USDA has taken a comprehensive approach to increase competition in agricultural markets, creating a fairer playing field for small- and mid-size farmers. In 2023, USDA invested millions in the meat and poultry processing industry, providing producers with more options to market their products. They also made significant strides in market transparency and anti-competitive practices, strengthening enforcement under the Packers and Stockyards Act and initiating a new Farmer Seed Liaison Initiative. Ultimately, U.S. agricultural producers have seen a record three-year streak of farm income and agricultural exports.
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