Rural Development

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href="https://www.fns.usda.gov/wic" title="WIC safeguards the health of low-income women, infants, and children at nutrition risk by providing food, healthy eating, and healthcare referrals." class="last">Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> <nav aria-labelledby="block-usda-uswds-foodsubmenu-menu" id="block-usda-uswds-foodsubmenu" class="block"> <div class="usa-sr-only" id="block-usda-uswds-foodsubmenu-menu">Food Submenus</div> <ul data-block="food_megamenu_two" class="menu menu--food-submenu nav"> <li class="expanded dropdown first"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown first dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Food Safety <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="food_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/about-food/food-safety" title="USDA conducts and funds food safety research to generate real-world results for both government and 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provides leadership, technical expertise and cooperation for developing of the Dietary Guidelines and Federal nutrition and economic initiatives." class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58817">Nutrition Research and Programs Overview</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-food/nutrition-research-and-programs/nutrition-programs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58885">Nutrition Programs</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-food/nutrition-research-and-programs/dietary-health" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6381">Dietary Health</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-food/nutrition-research-and-programs/research-and-science" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6374">Research and Science</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/about-food/nutrition-research-and-programs/food-distribution" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6413">Food Distribution</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown last"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown last dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" 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class="last">Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-nav-bottom usa-nav-bottom-food"> <div class="region--food-megamenu-three"> <div id="block-usda-uswds-foodmainnavigationbottom" class="block block-block-content block-block-contentf52b6b80-db99-4d4f-a74a-aecd712b4db3"> <div class="field field--name-field-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items field--type-entity-reference-revisions-multiple"> <div class="field__item"><div class="paragraph paragraph--type-title-with-description-and-link paragraph--view-mode-default"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">SNAP Emergency Allotments are Ending</div> <div class="field field--name-field-description-plain field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Soon, many SNAP households will experience a change to their benefit amounts.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-link field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="/about-usda/news/blog/2023/02/08/snap-emergency-allotments-are-ending">Learn More</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"><div class="paragraph paragraph--type-title-with-description-and-link paragraph--view-mode-default"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tackle Foodborne Illness When Ordering Takeout or Delivered Foods</div> <div class="field field--name-field-description-plain field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">If left out too long, all foods can become a source of foodborne illness.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-link field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="/about-usda/news/blog/2023/02/07/tackle-foodborne-illness-when-ordering-takeout-or-delivered-foods">Learn More</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"><div class="paragraph paragraph--type-title-with-description-and-link paragraph--view-mode-default"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Cooking Meat: Is It Done Yet?</div> <div class="field field--name-field-description-plain field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Only 55% of people use a food thermometer to verify if their food is safe to consume. </div> <div class="field field--name-field-link field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="/about-usda/news/blog/2022/10/03/cooking-meat-it-done-yet">Learn More</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-mega-nav-section-two" > <span>Farming and Ranching</span> </button> <div id="basic-mega-nav-section-two" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" > <div class="grid-row grid-gap-2"> <div class="usa-col usa-col-1"> <div 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class="expanded dropdown first"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown first dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Farm Bill <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="farming_ranching_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first last"> <a href="/farming-and-ranching/farm-bill" title="President Trump signed the Farm Bill into law on December 20, 2018, and the USDA promptly began implementing key programs." class="first last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33270">Farm Bill Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">New Farmers <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="farming_ranching_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first last"> <a href="https://www.farmers.gov/your-business/beginning-farmers" title="New Farmers offers information and resources on how to start a farm, make a 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aria-controls="basic-mega-nav-section-three" > <span>Forestry</span> </button> <div id="basic-mega-nav-section-three" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" > <div class="grid-row grid-gap-2"> <div class="usa-col usa-col-1"> <div class="region--forests-megamenu-one"> <div id="block-forestsmainnavigationsubmenu1stcolumn" class="block block-block-content block-block-contentdf0fc219-ba42-4843-ab64-30fbb156697b"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="h3">About Forestry</div><p><span>Forestry is the science and practice of establishing, managing, using, and conserving forests and related resources to meet goals, needs, and values</span>.</p><p><a href="/forestry">Discover How</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-col usa-col-2"> <div class="region--forests-megamenu-two"> <nav aria-labelledby="block-forestssubmenu-menu" id="block-forestssubmenu" class="block"> <div class="usa-sr-only" 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data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6710">Forest Recreation Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> <nav aria-labelledby="block-usda-uswds-forestssubmenu-menu" id="block-usda-uswds-forestssubmenu" class="block"> <div class="usa-sr-only" id="block-usda-uswds-forestssubmenu-menu">Forests Submenus</div> <ul data-block="forests_megamenu_two" class="menu menu--forests-submenu nav"> <li class="expanded dropdown first"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown first dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Agroforestry <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="forests_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/forestry/agroforestry" title="Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming to create environmental, economic, and social benefits." class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6295">Agroforestry Overview</a> </li> <li> <a href="/forestry/agroforestry/agroforestry-frequently-asked-questions" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6249">Agroforestry Frequently Asked Questions</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/forestry/agroforestry/usdas-role-agroforestry" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6417">USDA's Role in Agroforestry</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Landowner Assistance <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="forests_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first last"> <a href="/forestry/landowner-assistance-programs" title="USDA provides several landowner assistance programs and partnerships to assist private landowners and rural communities." class="first last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/59052">Landowner Assistance Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Disaster Resource Center <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="forests_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/forestry/disaster-resource-center" title="The Disaster Resource Center provides information on how to prepare, recover and build long-term resilience during disasters and emergencies." class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58815">Disaster Resource Center Overview</a> </li> <li> <a href="/forestry/disaster-resource-center/drought" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6144">Drought</a> </li> <li> <a href="/forestry/disaster-resource-center/hawaii-wildfires" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/54449">Hawaii Wildfires</a> </li> <li> <a href="/forestry/disaster-resource-center/pests-and-animal-disease" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/42102">Pests and Animal Disease</a> </li> <li> <a href="/forestry/disaster-resource-center/weather-events" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/61478">Weather Events</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/forestry/disaster-resource-center/wildland-fire" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/42101">Wildland Fire</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Forest Research and Development <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="forests_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first last"> <a href="/forestry/forest-research-and-development" title="Forest Service Research and Development scientists research the biological, physical, and social sciences related to forests and rangelands." class="first last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/59053">Forest Research and Development Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown last"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown last dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Forest Recreation <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="forests_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first last"> <a href="/forestry/recreation" title="What U.S. residents should know before going abroad, and rules for bringing items back from your trip." class="first last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6710">Forest Recreation Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-nav-bottom usa-nav-bottom-forests"> <div class="region--forests-megamenu-three"> <div id="block-usda-uswds-forestsmainnavigationsubmenubottom" class="block block-block-content block-block-contentb41f041f-4b2f-4e44-a2fc-8e0b174dd318"> <div class="field field--name-field-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items field--type-entity-reference-revisions-multiple"> <div class="field__item"><div class="paragraph paragraph--type-title-with-description-and-link paragraph--view-mode-default"> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool</div> <div class="field field--name-field-description-plain field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Learn about USDA disaster assistance programs that might be right for you by completing five simple steps.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-link field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/disaster-tool">Find Assistance Now</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-hero" style="background-image: url('/sites/default/files/2024-08/forests-submenu-bottom.jpg')"></div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-mega-nav-section-four" > <span>Sustainability</span> </button> <div id="basic-mega-nav-section-four" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" > <div class="grid-row grid-gap-2"> <div class="usa-col usa-col-1"> <div class="region--sustainability-megamenu-one"> <div id="block-sustainabilitymainnavigationsubmenu1stcolumn" class="block block-block-content block-block-content777c8d22-11f2-49b6-8f1e-f463c2fa2d64"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="h3">About Sustainability</div><p>Sustainable agricultural productivity growth is a foundational element in building more sustainable agricultural and food systems.</p><p><a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/oce-sustainability">Discover How</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-col usa-col-2"> <div class="region--sustainability-megamenu-two"> <nav aria-labelledby="block-sustainabilitysubmenu-menu" id="block-sustainabilitysubmenu" class="block"> <div class="usa-sr-only" id="block-sustainabilitysubmenu-menu">Sustainability Menu</div> <ul data-block="sustainability_megamenu_two" class="menu menu--sustainability-submenu nav"> <li class="expanded dropdown first"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown first dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Conservation <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="sustainability_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/sustainability/conservation" title="USDA recognizes that conservation by farmers, ranchers and forest owners today means thriving and sustainable agriculture for our future." class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58843">Conservation Overview</a> </li> <li> <a href="/sustainability/conservation/land-conservation" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6372">Land Conservation</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/sustainability/conservation/wildlife" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6515">Wildlife</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Environmental Markets <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="sustainability_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/office-energy-and-environmental-policy/environmental-markets" title="Environmental markets are innovative policy approaches to leverage funding for environmental conservation on private lands." class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58847">Environmental Markets Overview</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/office-energy-and-environmental-policy/environmental-markets/about-office-environmental-markets" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33571">About the Office of Environmental Markets</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/office-energy-and-environmental-policy/environmental-markets/carbon" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33572">Carbon</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/office-energy-and-environmental-policy/environmental-markets/water-quality" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33573">Water Quality</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/office-energy-and-environmental-policy/environmental-markets/wetlands-and-habitats" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33574">Wetlands and Habitats</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/office-energy-and-environmental-policy/environmental-markets/quantifying-environmental-services" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33575">Quantifying Environmental Services</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Infrastructure <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="sustainability_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/sustainability/infrastructure" title="USDA embarked on a groundbreaking analysis on the potential benefits of rural broadband infrastructure and emerging on-farm technology." class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58850">Infrastructure Overview</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/sustainability/infrastructure/broadband" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58951">Rural Broadband Expansion</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown last"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown last dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Councils and Coalitions <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="sustainability_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/sustainability-councils-and-coalitions" title="USDA is committed to working with partners and stakeholders toward the sustainability of diverse agricultural and food systems." class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58844">Councils and Coalitions Overview</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/oce-sustainability/definitions-sustainability-and-food-systems" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33561">Definitions: Sustainability and Food Systems</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/oce-sustainability/sustainable-productivity-growth-coalition" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/45504">Sustainable Productivity Growth Coalition</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/sustainability/us-food-systems" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41557">U.S. Food Systems</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/oce-sustainability/un-food-systems-summit" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/42714">UN Food Systems Summit</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/sustainability/usda-director-and-council" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33563">USDA Director and Council</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> <nav aria-labelledby="block-usda-uswds-sustainabilitysubmenu-menu" id="block-usda-uswds-sustainabilitysubmenu" class="block"> <div class="usa-sr-only" id="block-usda-uswds-sustainabilitysubmenu-menu">Sustainability Submenus</div> <ul data-block="sustainability_megamenu_two" class="menu menu--sustainability-submenu nav"> <li class="expanded dropdown first"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown first dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Conservation <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="sustainability_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/sustainability/conservation" title="USDA recognizes that conservation by farmers, ranchers and forest owners today means thriving and sustainable agriculture for our future." class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58843">Conservation Overview</a> </li> <li> <a href="/sustainability/conservation/land-conservation" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6372">Land Conservation</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/sustainability/conservation/wildlife" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6515">Wildlife</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Environmental Markets <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="sustainability_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/office-energy-and-environmental-policy/environmental-markets" title="Environmental markets are innovative policy approaches to leverage funding for environmental conservation on private lands." class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58847">Environmental Markets Overview</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/office-energy-and-environmental-policy/environmental-markets/about-office-environmental-markets" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33571">About the Office of Environmental Markets</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/office-energy-and-environmental-policy/environmental-markets/carbon" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33572">Carbon</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/office-energy-and-environmental-policy/environmental-markets/water-quality" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33573">Water Quality</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/office-energy-and-environmental-policy/environmental-markets/wetlands-and-habitats" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33574">Wetlands and Habitats</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/office-energy-and-environmental-policy/environmental-markets/quantifying-environmental-services" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33575">Quantifying Environmental Services</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Infrastructure <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="sustainability_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/sustainability/infrastructure" title="USDA embarked on a groundbreaking analysis on the potential benefits of rural broadband infrastructure and emerging on-farm technology." class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58850">Infrastructure Overview</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/sustainability/infrastructure/broadband" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58951">Rural Broadband Expansion</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown last"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown last dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Councils and Coalitions <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="sustainability_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/sustainability-councils-and-coalitions" title="USDA is committed to working with partners and stakeholders toward the sustainability of diverse agricultural and food systems." class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58844">Councils and Coalitions Overview</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/oce-sustainability/definitions-sustainability-and-food-systems" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33561">Definitions: Sustainability and Food Systems</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/oce-sustainability/sustainable-productivity-growth-coalition" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/45504">Sustainable Productivity Growth Coalition</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/sustainability/us-food-systems" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41557">U.S. Food Systems</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/oce-sustainability/un-food-systems-summit" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/42714">UN Food Systems Summit</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/sustainability/usda-director-and-council" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33563">USDA Director and Council</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-nav-bottom usa-nav-bottom-sustainability"> <div class="region--sustainability-megamenu-three"> <div id="block-usda-uswds-sustainabilitymainnavigationsubmenubottom" class="block block-block-content block-block-contentbe0b520a-da9a-42e2-8f89-f25b0c16f54e"> <div class="field field--name-field-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items field--type-entity-reference-revisions-multiple"> <div class="field__item"><div class="paragraph paragraph--type-title-description-image-link paragraph--view-mode-default"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/default/files/2024-08/definitions%20%282%29.png" width="150" height="150" alt="Apples in an orchard" loading="lazy" /> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-title field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Definitions: Sustainability and Food Systems</div> <div class="field field--name-field-description-plain field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Most incorporate the notion that true sustainability must balance economic, social and environmental dimensions.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-link field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-chief-economist/oce-sustainability/definitions-sustainability-and-food-systems">View Definitions</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="usa-nav__primary-item"> <button class="usa-accordion__button usa-nav__link" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="basic-mega-nav-section-five" > <span>Trade and Markets</span> </button> <div id="basic-mega-nav-section-five" class="usa-nav__submenu usa-megamenu" > <div class="grid-row grid-gap-2"> <div class="usa-col usa-col-1"> <div class="region--trades-markets-megamenu-one"> <div id="block-tradesandmarketsmainnavigationsubmenu1stcolumn" class="block block-block-content block-block-contenta5d37677-7663-4e0e-ab7c-bce4ef1cddb5"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="h3">About Trade and Markets</div><p>In a global marketplace, supply and demand in one area of the world can greatly impact the agricultural production in another.</p><p><a href="/trade-and-markets">Discover How</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="usa-col usa-col-2"> <div class="region--trades-markets-megamenu-two"> <nav aria-labelledby="block-tradesandmarketssubmenu-menu" id="block-tradesandmarketssubmenu" class="block"> <div class="usa-sr-only" id="block-tradesandmarketssubmenu-menu">Trades and Markets Menu</div> <ul data-block="trades_markets_megamenu_two" class="menu menu--trades-and-markets-submenu nav"> <li class="expanded dropdown first"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown first dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Exporting Goods <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="trades_markets_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/trade-and-markets/exporting-goods" title="USDA monitors the export of products from the U.S. through a standard set of regulations and policies" class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58807">Exporting Goods Overview</a> </li> <li> <a href="/trade-and-markets/exporting-goods/exporting-regulations-and-policies" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/59055">Exporting Regulations and Policies</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/trade-and-markets/exporting-goods/export-and-trade-research" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/59056">Export and Trade Research</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Importing Goods <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="trades_markets_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/trade-and-markets/importing-goods" title="USDA offers import programs to help American agricultural producers compete against the world market." class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58806">Importing Goods Overview</a> </li> <li> <a href="/trade-and-markets/importing-goods/importing-regulations-and-policies" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/59057">Importing Regulations and Policies</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/trade-and-markets/importing-goods/import-and-trade-research" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/59058">Import and Trade Research</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Policy and Procedures <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="trades_markets_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first"> <a href="/trade-and-markets/policies-and-procedures" title="At the core of USDA's mission is fostering economic opportunity and innovation that will continue to help American agriculture grow." class="first" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58848">Policy and Procedures Overview</a> </li> <li> <a href="/trade-and-markets/policies-and-procedures/meat-and-poultry-supply-chain" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/47492">Meat and Poultry Supply Chain</a> </li> <li> <a href="/about-food/nutrition-research-and-programs/food-distribution/web-based-supply-chain-management" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6214">Web-Based Supply Chain Management</a> </li> <li> <a href="/trade-and-markets/policies-and-procedures/asia-pacific-economic-cooperation-interim-field-guides" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/54313">Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Interim Field Guides</a> </li> <li class="last"> <a href="/trade-and-markets/policies-and-procedures/us-codex-office" class="last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/58952">U.S. Codex Office</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Marketing and Trade Assistance <span class="caret"></span></a> <ul data-block="trades_markets_megamenu_two" class="dropdown-menu"> <li class="first last"> <a href="/trade-and-markets/marketing-assistance-programs" title="Marketing assistance programs help farmers, agribusinesses, and state agriculture departments by increasing commodity production." class="first last" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6533">Marketing and Trade Assistance Overview</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="expanded dropdown last"> <a href="/" class="expanded dropdown last 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communities, residents, and businesses. We are deeply committed to improving the economy and quality of life in rural America.</div> <div class="field--body"> <p>We offer loans and grants to eligible individuals, businesses, and communities, encouraging homeownership, growth in business and manufacturing, and community well-being. We also partner with private lenders to offer loan guarantees, providing the backing of the federal government to support rural prosperity and growth.</p><h2><strong>Affordable and Safe Housing</strong></h2><p>Multifamily Housing assists rural property owners through loans, loan guarantees, and grants that enable owners to develop and rehabilitate properties for low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals and families as well as domestic farm laborers.</p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/multi-family-housing-programs">Multifamily Housing Programs</a>.</p><p>Well built, affordable housing is essential to the vitality of communities in rural America. Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Programs give families and individuals the opportunity to buy, build, or repair affordable homes located in <a href="https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do">rural</a> America. Eligibility for these loans, loan guarantees, and grants is based on <a href="https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do">income</a> and varies according to the average median income for each area.</p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs">Single Family Housing Programs</a>.</p><p>Essential community infrastructure is key in ensuring that rural areas enjoy the same basic quality of life and services enjoyed by those in urban areas. Community Facilities Programs offer direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. These amenities help increase the competitiveness of rural communities in attracting and retaining businesses that provide employment and services for their residents.</p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities">Community Facilities Programs</a>.</p><h2><strong>Economic Development and Business Support</strong></h2><p>Business Programs provide financial backing and technical assistance to stimulate business creation and growth. The programs work through partnerships with public and private community-based organizations and financial institutions to provide financial assistance, business development, and technical assistance to rural businesses. These programs help to provide capital, equipment, space, job training, and entrepreneurial skills that can help to start and/or grow a business. Business Programs also support the creation and preservation of quality jobs in rural areas.</p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs">Business Programs</a>.</p><p>Our energy programs, authorized by the Agricultural Act of 2014, offer funding to complete energy audits, provide renewable energy development assistance, make energy efficiency improvements and install renewable energy systems. We have programs that help convert older heating sources to cleaner technologies, produce advanced biofuels, install solar panels, build biorefineries, and much more. USDA Rural Development is at the forefront of renewable energy financing, with options including grants, guaranteed loans and payments.</p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs">Energy Programs</a>.</p><h2><strong>Infrastructure Investment</strong></h2><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/telecommunications-programs">Telecom Programs</a>.</p><p>Through Rural Utilities Service Water and Environmental Programs (WEP), rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems. Safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems are vital not only to public health, but also to the economic vitality of rural America. Rural Development is a leader in helping rural America improve the quality of life and increase the economic opportunities for rural people.</p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs">Water and Environmental Programs</a>.</p><h2>Rural Partners Network</h2><p>The Rural Partners Network (RPN) was created to ensure opportunities reach rural America. Since it was established in April 2022, RPN has transformed the way the federal government works with and listens to rural people. In alliance with <a href="https://www.rural.gov/about">other federal agencies</a>, RPN is helping rural people leverage and identify critical resources so their communities can thrive.</p><p>As a one-stop hub for rural programs, funding announcements, technical assistance, and rural stories, Rural.gov helps rural people access and navigate federal opportunities and resources. With RPN staff living and working in rural communities they serve, they are building strategic partnerships and engaging with leaders to drive community and economic growth and prosperity.</p><p>To learn more, follow <a href="https://twitter.com/RURALgov">RPN on Twitter</a> and explore <a href="https://www.rural.gov/">Rural.gov</a>.</p><h2>Rural Data Gateway</h2><p>The <a href="https://www.rd.usda.gov/rural-data-gateway">Rural Data Gateway</a> strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making RD’s data more available and easier to access. It features Rural Investments Dashboards that significantly expand access to RD financial data through an easy-to-use interface that allows data from more than 65 RD programs to be viewed and downloaded. The Gateway and dashboards will help USDA get more resources to the people who need them in rural places.</p><h2>Farm Bill Titles</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.ers.usda.gov/agriculture-improvement-act-of-2018-highlights-and-implications/">Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill)</a></li><li>Title VII – Rural Development</li><li>Title XI - Energy</li></ul> </div> </div> <div class="usa-layout-docs-sidenav main-content-sidebar-second"> </div> </div> <div class="views-element-container"> <div class="view-related-documents js-view-dom-id-3b438e46df4461330f8945b03c9e1be9fc59075559994383b2d40b3988a1a094"> </div> </div> </div> </article> <div id="fb-root"></div> <script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v3.0"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script> </div> </div> </main> <div class="views-element-container"> <div class="view-trending-news-and-updates js-view-dom-id-2aeea1ae04db5c95aa5879956090a4df2b81847d98a1a91999a004b9b1e8e4b2"> <div class="trending-news-and-updates-inner"> <header> <h2>Trending News and Updates</h2> </header> <div class="views-row"><div class="views-field views-field-type"><span class="field-content">Press Release </span></div><div class="views-field views-field-nothing"><span class="field-content"><img src="/themes/custom/usda_uswds/img/USDA_logo.png" /> </span></div><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/02/15/secretary-rollins-engages-kentucky-farmers-first-official-trip" hreflang="en">Secretary Rollins Engages Kentucky Farmers on First Official Trip</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content"><time datetime="2025-02-15T21:00:00Z">February 15, 2025</time> </div></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-intro"><div class="field-content">Secretary Rollins Engages Kentucky Farmers on First Official Trip</div></div><div class="views-field views-field-view-node"><span class="field-content"><a href="/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/02/15/secretary-rollins-engages-kentucky-farmers-first-official-trip" hreflang="en">Learn More</a></span></div></div> <div class="views-row"><div class="views-field views-field-type"><span class="field-content">Press Release </span></div><div class="views-field views-field-nothing"><span class="field-content"><img src="/themes/custom/usda_uswds/img/USDA_logo.png" /> </span></div><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/02/15/what-they-are-saying-agriculture-and-government-leaders-applaud-secretary-rollins-confirmation" hreflang="en">WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Agriculture and Government Leaders Applaud Secretary Rollins’ Confirmation</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content"><time datetime="2025-02-15T15:00:00Z">February 15, 2025</time> </div></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-intro"><div class="field-content">Following the confirmation of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, leaders across the agriculture industry and elected officials are voicing their support.</div></div><div class="views-field views-field-view-node"><span class="field-content"><a href="/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/02/15/what-they-are-saying-agriculture-and-government-leaders-applaud-secretary-rollins-confirmation" hreflang="en">Learn More</a></span></div></div> <div class="views-row"><div class="views-field views-field-type"><span class="field-content">Press Release </span></div><div class="views-field views-field-nothing"><span class="field-content"><img src="/themes/custom/usda_uswds/img/USDA_logo.png" /> </span></div><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/02/14/secretary-rollins-takes-bold-action-day-one" hreflang="en">Secretary Rollins Takes Bold Action on Day One</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content"><time datetime="2025-02-14T22:30:00Z">February 14, 2025</time> </div></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-intro"><div class="field-content">Here are seven key actions Secretary Rollins took on Day One.</div></div><div class="views-field views-field-view-node"><span class="field-content"><a href="/about-usda/news/press-releases/2025/02/14/secretary-rollins-takes-bold-action-day-one" hreflang="en">Learn More</a></span></div></div> <div class="views-row"><div class="views-field views-field-type"><span class="field-content">Press Release </span></div><div class="views-field views-field-nothing"><span class="field-content"><img src="/themes/custom/usda_uswds/img/USDA_logo.png" /> 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