Agricultural News
USDA Releases New State-by-State "Made in Rural America" Report
Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:43:14 CDT
As part of the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) commitment to strengthening rural economies, Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new state-by-state "Made in Rural America" report illustrating the impact of USDA investments in rural communities. Each state fact sheet highlights specific USDA investments in rural businesses, manufacturing, energy, water and other infrastructure development. They also outline how USDA is helping rural communities attract businesses and families by investing in housing and broadband.
"This report shows what investment in rural America means in real terms for families and businesses across the country," said Vilsack. "Throughout the Obama Administration, USDA has created employment opportunities in rural America through investments in manufacturing, energy and small businesses. At the same time, we are bringing reliable services like water, housing and broadband to make these same communities attract and retain a talented workforce. This report proves that the entrepreneurial spirit is strong in rural America."
These fact sheets reflect Secretary Vilsack's efforts to strengthen the "four pillars" of a new economy in rural America: developing a robust bio-based economy; promoting exports and production agriculture fueled by increased productivity and research; encouraging conservation including land management, stewardship and outdoor recreational opportunities; and building a strong local and regional food system to harness entrepreneurial innovation and help small and medium-sized family farms succeed in rural America.
Over the past five years, USDA has invested more than $15.3 billion (fiscal year 2009-2013) in Oklahoma. USDA has helped support the ongoing success of Oklahoma farmers and ranchers by investing more than $4.1 billion in programs that provide access to credit, support a strong farm safety net, and promote new markets for farm and ranch products. USDA invested more than $2 billion to support affordable housing, create jobs and promote economic opportunity. USDA has invested more than $1 billion in infrastructure development. USDA has invested more than $176 million in Oklahoma to support research that will secure and improve our food, agricultural and natural resources systems
The report's state by state fact sheets are available by clicking here. To read Oklahoma's fact sheet, click here.
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