U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the President’s proposed budget for USDA in fiscal year 2015 achieves reform and results for the American taxpayer; fosters opportunity for the men and women living, working and raising families in rural America; and supports innovation through strategic, future-focused investments. Vilsack says the proposed budget supports farmers, ranchers and growers as they achieve net farm income well above the average of the previous decade. Among other programs – he says it continues to fund programs that – since 2009 – have helped more than 800-thousand families buy, repair or refinance a home; extended new or improved broadband service for more than seven-million Americans and 364-thousand rural businesses; provided grants and loans to assist nearly 75-thousand rural small and mid-sized businesses in rural America. Vilsack says funding for trade promotion and market expansion will also continue. The budget adds about 23-million acres of land to USDA conservation efforts and sustains 25-million acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program as well. According to Vilsack – the 2015 budget makes strategic investments that further innovation and encourage creative approaches to solving rural America’s most pressing challenges. He says the security of the nation’s food and fiber supply depends on what is done to support rural America today. Vilsack says the 2015 budget proposal and the tools provided in the new farm bill will help create jobs and drive long-term, sustainable economic growth in rural America – while equipping farmers and ranchers with the tools they need to survive and thrive.
Here are some of the highlights of the USDA budget as presented by USDA:
Support for Agriculture
* Direct and guaranteed loans to support 40,000 producers, 85% of which will be beginning farmers and ranchers and socially disadvantaged producers. Additional assistance for beginning farmers includes Individual Development Accounts, technical assistance for small farms and others affected by implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act and a new program to assist veterans pursue an agriculture career.
* Resources to support crop insurance coverage on an estimated $63 billion in crop production (normalized value).
* Plant and animal pest and disease control programs to protect $165 billion of livestock, poultry and specialty crops.
* Assistance in supporting over $140 billion in agricultural trade, including nearly $4 billion in trade preserved through resolution of foreign market access issues.
Rural Opportunities
* A total of $878 million to support rural business creation and expansion. This level of funding is estimated to provide approximately 44,000 jobs in rural areas. This funding will support revolving loan funds and micro entrepreneur development activities in rural areas. Additionally, funding is provided to support agricultural producers develop and market value added products.
* Loans and grants for water and waste water systems will improve services for 2.2 million people.
* 13.7 million residents will benefit from improved health, safety and educational facilities.
Innovation
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