June 7, 2016 – USDA Rural Development Texas State Director Paco Valentin today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to provide assistance to socially-disadvantaged business groups in rural areas.
 
“One of USDA Rural Development’s missions is to provide assistance that will increase the economic conditions of rural communities,” said Valentin.  “These grants allow eligible applicants to provide technical assistance to socially disadvantaged groups in rural areas and in turn, promote job creation and improve their operations.”
 

April 21, 2016 – As Earth Day approaches, did you know USDA has an app that can help you save money and help the environment? Or that there are some simple steps you can take in the kitchen to help you serve safer food and to help you reduce resource use and utility bills? This spring, the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing food safety recommendations to help consumers reduce foodborne illness, resource use, and unnecessary spending for Earth Day.

April 14, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced USDA is making up to $44 million available nationwide to farmers, ranchers and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the Value-Added Producer Grant program.

March 31, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that $5.8 million in competitive funding is available nationwide to help start, improve or expand cooperative businesses in rural areas.

February 24, 2016  – As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) ongoing efforts to boost opportunity in rural communities, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today awarded six low-interest loans to local governments and community organizations that will spur rural economic development in five states. Secretary Vilsack announced the awards at the Legislative Conference of the National Association of Counties during a seminar with the White House Rural Council.