07 Feb 2011

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to Host Conference Call on USDA Efforts to Create Economic Opportunities in Rural America

By USDA Communications Office

WASHINGTON, February 7, 2011 - TOMORROW, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will host a national media conference call highlighting USDA efforts to help rural America win the future by helping businesses expand and increase economic opportunities in rural communities.

Secretary Vilsack will announce projects in the following states: Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
10:15 a.m. EST
WHAT: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will host a media conference call to discuss
USDA efforts to help rural America win the future by helping businesses expand and increase economic opportunities in rural communities.
DIAL-IN:

800-857-5233  

Passcode: USDA (Given Verbally)

Trouble number: 202-720-8560

All callers using the above pass code will be placed in listen only mode.  To join the Q&A portion of the meeting, these callers are instructed to press *1 on their touch tone phone.
24 Jan 2011

USDA Designates Eight Counties in Iowa as Primary Natural Disaster Areas

By USDA Communications Office
WASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 20, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated eight counties in Iowa as natural disaster areas because of losses caused by the combined effects of severe storms, excessive rain, flooding, flash flooding, hail, high winds and tornadoes that occurred May 1 - Sept. 30, 2010.
"President Obama and I understand these conditions caused severe damage to forage crops, pasture, corn, oats and soybeans, and we want to help," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "This action will provide help to hundreds of farmers who suffered significant production losses."

The counties are:

Iowa                           Johnson                       Madison                      Sioux

Jackson                        Louisa                         Scott                          Washington


Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Iowa also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous:

Adair                          Des Moines                 Keokuk                       Plymouth

Benton                        Dubuque                     Linn                           Polk

Cedar                          Guthrie                        Lyon                           Poweshiek

Cherokee                     Henry                          Muscatine                    Tama

Clarke                         Jefferson                     O'Brien                        Union

Clinton                        Jones                          Osceola                       Warren

Dallas

Farmers and ranchers in the following counties in Illinois and South Dakota also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their counties are contiguous:

Illinois

Carroll                Henderson          Jo Daviess          Mercer                Rock Island


South Dakota

Lincoln                        Union

All counties listed above were designated natural disaster areas Jan. 18, 2011, making all qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for low interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA), provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the EM loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity.

USDA also has made other programs available to assist farmers and ranchers, including the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE), which was approved as part of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008; the Emergency Conservation Program; Federal Crop Insurance; and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. Interested farmers may contact their local USDA Service Centers for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available online at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

FSA news releases are available on FSA's website at http://www.fsa.usda.gov via the "News and Events" link.

18 Oct 2010

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Loans and Grants to Improve Energy Efficiency and Benefit Producers

By USDA Communications Office
Projects Help Iowa Farmers and Rural Businesses Become More Energy Efficient

DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 14, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA Rural Development is providing loans and grants for 433 renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Iowa under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The funding includes support for wind projects that will generate renewable energy for businesses and agricultural producers. Also selected for funding are an anaerobic digester and renewable energy projects that use biomass as a fuel source.

"These loans and grants will generate and save energy for Iowa's farmers and business for many years to come, while promoting Obama Administration efforts to transition to a renewable energy economy," Vilsack said. "Farmers have significant opportunity to reduce their energy consumption or generate income by producing renewable energy that can be used by other consumers through USDA's REAP program."

The funding totals nearly $32 million and is expected to generate significant cost savings for recipients as they replace outdated equipment and install systems that create renewable energy or reduce energy use.

For example, Mark Anderson of rural Black Hawk County has been selected to receive a $20,000 grant to install a 20 kilowatt wind turbine to provide energy for the farming operation. Dean A. Tjaden of Charles City has been selected for an $8,000 grant to install a biomass furnace. The Madison County Winery LLC, located just outside St. Charles, has been selected for a $13,651 grant to purchase and install a geothermal heating and cooling system and solar panel for the winery's warehouse. Mark Ehrhardt of Monona has been selected for two REAP grants totaling $22,675 to install a biomass furnace to replace a propane furnace to heat a dairy barn and to install robotic milking equipment to reduce energy consumption.

Hundreds of rural businesses and farmers in Iowa have benefited from the REAP program during the past few years. One previous recipient is a farm engine and equipment repair shop in Spencer, Iowa. Shop owner Gary Hoefling moved his businesses from two locations to a new, 6,750-square-foot, energy-efficient building in fall 2008. The new building has a geothermal heating and cooling system that was paid in part by a $27,250 energy grant from USDA Rural Development. The building also uses energy-efficient lighting and is landscaped using environmentally friendly techniques, including a rain garden, permeable pavers and a garden of native prairie grasses and wild flowers that provide coverage and insulation for the geothermal well sites. Hoefling estimates the geothermal system will pay for itself in four to five years because of lower heating and cooling costs, tax credits and an accelerated depreciation schedule.

REAP funding can be used for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, feasibility studies, energy audits, and renewable energy development assistance. More information on the REAP program, which was authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, is at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_ReapResEei.html.

Funding of each recipient is contingent upon the recipient meeting the conditions of the grant or loan agreement. The following is a complete list of REAP recipients announced today. Award Recipients

Through its Rural Development mission area, USDA administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a network of 6,100 employees located in the nation's capital and over 600 state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers, and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $142 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

12 Oct 2010

USDA Highlights Efforts to Improve Child Nutrition During National School Lunch Week

By USDA Communications Office
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the celebration of National School Lunch Week, October 11- 15, by highlighting Obama administration efforts to improve child nutrition, combat childhood obesity and encourage schools to participate in USDA's HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC), an initiative that recognizes schools for excellence in nutrition and physical activity.

"National School Lunch Week reminds us how important it is that our children be healthy and active, that they not go hungry, and that they have access to nutritious meals," Vilsack said. "Through our HealthierUS School Challenge, USDA recognizes schools that meet the highest standards for creating and maintaining healthy school environments by promoting good nutrition and physical activity."

The HUSSC is a key component of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign to end childhood obesity within a generation. Schools participating in the HUSSC voluntarily adopt USDA standards for food they serve at their schools, agree to provide nutrition education and provide opportunities for physical activity.

In February, the First Lady and USDA challenged stakeholders to double the number of HUSSC schools within in a year and add 1,000 schools per year for two years after that. Schools participating in the Challenge are recognized with Gold of Distinction, Gold, Silver, or Bronze-level certification. As of late September, 841 HUSSC awards have been made to schools. HUSSC certification also includes monetary incentives for schools -$2,000 for Gold Award of Distinction, $1,500 for Gold, $1,000 for Silver and $500 for Bronze.

Next week, USDA will recognize the following schools for meeting the HealthierUS School Challenge:

  • Phoenix Elementary School in Grand Forks, ND for Gold of Distinction certification
  • Krause Elementary School in Brenham, TX for Gold certification
  • Brenham Elementary School in Brenham, TX for Gold certification
  • Central Elementary School in Lewisville, TX for Gold certification
  • Byram Middle School in Terry, MS for Gold certification
  • River Terrace Elementary School in Washington, DC for Gold certification
  • Greene Central School in Greene, ME for Silver certification
  • Leeds Central School in Leeds, ME for Silver certification
  • Turner Primary School in Turner, ME for Silver certification
  • Turner Elementary School in Turner, ME for Silver certification
  • South Hamilton Elementary School in Jewell, IA for Silver certification
  • Adrian Elementary School in Adrian, MN for Silver certification
  • Belwood Elementary School in Calhoun, GA for Bronze certification
  • Fairmount Elementary School in Fairmount, GA for Bronze certification
  • Redbud Elementary School in Calhoun, GA for Bronze certification
  • Sonoraville Elementary School in Calhoun, GA for Bronze certification
  • Swain Elementary School in Plainville, GA for Bronze certification
  • Tolbert Elementary School in Resaca, GA for Bronze certification
  • Horizon Elementary School in Johnston, IA for Bronze certification

USDA Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Under Secretary Kevin Concannon salutes the example set by HUSSC schools and underscored the importance of a strong legislation to reauthorize the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs.

"These programs provide vital nutrition assistance to America's school-aged children and deserve our full support," he said. "Congress has the opportunity to pass improved legislation in time to make important changes to our school meals this very year and future years and we urge them to pass this when they convene again in November."

The First Lady actively supports the HUSSC with innovative Let's Move! initiatives, including Chefs Move to Schools, a collaboration that links chefs with nearby schools, and most recently with the Recipes for Healthy Kids competition, launched in early September. This competition brings together chefs, school nutrition professionals, students and parents who work in in teams to develop nutritious, delicious, kid-approved recipes for use in schools. Recipes must be submitted by Dec. 30. Winners will have a chance to compete in a national cook-off and $12,000 in prizes. For more information, please visit www.recipesforkidschallenge.com.

Improving USDA's child nutrition programs on behalf of nearly 32 million kids across the nation is a top priority of the Obama Administration. Strengthening the Child Nutrition Act, which authorizes USDA's child nutrition programs including the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, is the legislative centerpiece of First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move! campaign. This legislation will serve as a down payment in battling hunger and food insecurity while providing critical resources to raise a generation of healthy children. To learn more about the First Lady's Let's Move! campaign, visit www.LetsMove.gov.

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) oversees the administration of 15 nutrition assistance programs, including the child nutrition programs, that touch the lives of one in four Americans over the course of a year. These programs work in concert to form a national safety net against hunger. Visit www.fns.usda.gov for information about FNS and nutrition assistance programs.

04 Oct 2010

USDA Announces Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Grants

By USDA Communications Office
Funds will Help Improve Access to Private Lands for Recreation in 17 States

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that 17 state public access programs will receive grants totaling $11.76 million through the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP).  The state programs were selected from 28 applications vying for the competitive VPA-HIP grants program that was announced July 8, 2010.

"This administration is committed to preserving and enhancing the great conservation legacy of our nation's hunters and anglers for the benefit of current and future generations," Vilsack said. "VPA-HIP will help achieve conservation goals and increase opportunities for hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation by providing greater access to privately held lands and we are excited to assist these 17 states in developing new and enhancing existing public access and habitat incentive programs."

The 17 states and their grant amounts are:

Arizona - $600,000
Colorado - $445,318
Idaho - $400,000
Illinois - $525,250
Iowa - $500,000
Kansas - $1,500,000
Kentucky - $651,515 
Michigan - $457,449
Minnesota - $582,367
Nebraska - $1,091,164
North Dakota - $300,000
Oregon - $786,795
Pennsylvania - $1,500,000
South Dakota - $558,325
Utah - $84,837
Washington - $836,999
Wisconsin - $936,040.

The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program incentivizes owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch and forest land to voluntarily give hunters, fishermen, hikers, bird watchers and other recreational outdoor enthusiasts access to land for their enjoyment. Program funds were made available to states and tribal governments through a competitive process.  Eligible states and tribal governments could request funding for existing public access programs, to create new public access programs, or to provide incentives to improve wildlife habitat on enrolled lands. VPA-HIP funds may be used to provide rental payments and other incentives, such as technical or conservation services to landowners who, in return, provide the public access to their land.

Funding priority was given to proposals that use the grant money to address these objectives:

·         Maximize participation by landowners;

·         Ensure that land enrolled in the program has appropriate wildlife habitat;

·         Provide incentives to strengthen wildlife habitat improvement efforts on Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) land, if available;

·         Supplement funding and services from other federal, state, tribal government or private resources that is provided in the form of cash or in-kind services; and

·         Inform the public about the location of public access land

FSA will open the grant application period for fiscal year 2011 funding after publication of a final rule.  It is anticipated that the grant application period for states and tribal governments will occur in the late fall of 2010.

For more information on VPA-HIP and other FSA programs, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/vpa.

 

27 Sep 2010

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to Announce Recovery Act Funding For Rural Library Projects in 30 States Throughout the Country

By USDA Communications Office

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to Announce Recovery Act Funding For Rural Library Projects in 30 States Throughout the Country

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2010 - TODAY, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will announce funding to build and enhance 129 rural libraries in 30 states. These library projects will provide rural residents with computer access, modern equipment and new training and educational opportunities.  The projects are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) under USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities program.

States benefiting from this announcement include Ala., Alaska., Cali., Colo., Del., Fl., Hawaii, Iowa, Ind., Kan., Mass., Mich., Minn., Mo., Miss., N.H., N.Y., N.C., N.J., N.M., Nev., Okla., S.C., Tenn., Texas, Utah, Va., Vt., Wash., and W.V.
12 Jul 2010

USDA Announces Recovery Act Efforts Aimed at Creating Jobs, Supporting Local and Regional Food Systems

By USDA Communications Office

CORVALIS, Ore., July 12, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced Recovery Act investments for 11 businesses in 9 states to strengthen rural economies by supporting local and regional food systems. Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Victor Vasquez made the announcement on behalf of Secretary Vilsack at the annual conference for the National Rural Economic Developers Association.

"Our farmers are the most productive in the world, supplying much of the nation's food, and in so doing, are creating the create jobs that are necessary to strengthen our economy," said Vilsack. "By connecting farmers and ranchers more closely with consumers of food, we are creating new economic opportunities for producers and helping consumers to access healthy, nutritious food."

These announcements come as part of USDA's "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative, which seeks to create new economic opportunities, to promote local and regional food systems that help keep wealth in rural communities, and to encourage a national conversation about what we eat and where it comes from in order to benefit producers of all sizes.

"The Obama Administration and USDA are committed to strengthening and supporting rural business and regional economies in order to revitalize our small towns and communities," Vasquez said. "This funding will help create and save jobs and build on America's economic recovery."

For example, in O'Neill, Neb., Garden Fresh Vegetables, LLC was selected to receive a $3.9 million guaranteed loan to expand its greenhouse business by purchasing a 10-acre greenhouse, and by constructing a new facility. The expansion will create an estimated 35 new jobs in the community. The company is one of the largest employers in O'Neill, whose population is 3,733. Garden Fresh Vegetables currently employs 50 full time and an additional 10 part-time workers and also offers seasonal employment opportunities to high school and college students. Their produce is currently used in many local grocery stores and they also participate in the local Farm to Schools program.

Meanwhile, in Dundee, Ore., the Torii Mor Winery, LLC was selected to receive a $6 million guaranteed loan that will enable the company to restructure debt and establish a working capital reserve to create and retain jobs -- including preserving nine existing positions. Established 17 years ago, the business is in the heart of Oregon wine country and is an integral part of the local value-added agricultural economy. The winery purchases nearly 90 percent of its grapes from local vineyards, which helps sustain additional jobs and agricultural businesses in the region.

The loan guarantees announced today are from USDA Rural Development's Business and Industry (B&I)Guaranteed Loan Program, which received $1.57 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to help rural businesses stimulate their economies and support local communities. Under the B&I program, eligible applicants include private businesses, cooperative organizations, corporations, partnerships, non-profit groups, Federally-recognized Indian tribes, public bodies and individuals. The funds are targeted to create and retain quality jobs and serve difficult-to-reach populations and areas hardest hit by the current economic downturn.

More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery. More information about the Federal Government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov.

A list of borrowers receiving loans is shown below. Funding is contingent upon borrowers meeting conditions in the loan agreement.

Iowa

  • North American Co-Pack, LLC; Iowa State Bank: $1,890,000 loan
  • World Food Processing, LLC; Bank Iowa: $8,000,000 loan

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