🌲Notice
The Yavapai Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a public meeting according to the details shown below. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act as well as make recommendations on recreation fee proposals for sites on the Prescott National Forest, consistent with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Learn More🌾USDA Ends Race and Sex-Based Preferences in Assistance Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has independently determined that it will no longer employ the race- and sex-based "socially disadvantaged" designation to provide increased benefits based on race and sex in the programs at issue in this regulation. The USDA has faced a long history of litigation stemming from allegations of discrimination in the administration of its farm loan and benefit programs. However, over the past several decades, USDA has undertaken substantial efforts to redress past injustices, culminating in comprehensive settlements, institutional reforms, and compensatory frameworks. These actions collectively support the conclusion that past discrimination has been sufficiently addressed and that further race- and sex-based remedies are no longer necessary or legally justified under current circumstances.
Learn More🌱Funding Opportunity for Rural Community Development Initiative
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the acceptance of applications under the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program for fiscal year (FY) 2025. Approximately $5 million in funding is available for FY 2025. These grants will be made to qualified Intermediary organizations that will provide financial and Technical assistance to Recipients to develop their capacity and ability to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities, or community and economic development that will support the community. Applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Learn More🌾RISE Program
The Department of Agriculture seeks comments on the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program (RISE), aimed at job creation and industry support in low-income rural areas. The program will assist in the development of partnerships among various entities to enhance workforce skills and build business incubators, promoting economic growth.
Learn More🌲Meeting Notice for Flathead Resource Advisory Committee
The Flathead Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a public meeting according to the details shown below. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act, as well as make recommendations on recreation fee proposals for sites on the Flathead National Forest within Flathead County, consistent with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Learn More🌾USDA Notice on Rural Development Cooperative Agreement Proposals
The USDA is seeking comments on an information collection regarding cooperative agreements that improve rural areas. This includes an initiative known as the Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC), designed to support planning and development in rural communities, potentially impacting funding opportunities for businesses targeting these regions.
Learn More🌲Notice of Ozark-Ouachita Resource Advisory Committee Meeting
The Ozark-Ouachita Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a public meeting according to the details shown below. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act, as well as make recommendations on recreation fee proposals for sites on the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests within the counties of Arkansas and Oklahoma, consistent with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Learn More🌍USDA Updates List of Eligible Countries for RUS Programs
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a Rural Development Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture is issuing this notice to revise the list of eligible countries for purchases made by RUS Telecommunications and Electric Program awardees by adding Japan to the list of RUS Eligible Countries published on May 23, 2024, and to reflect the November 2023 RUS Eligible Countries published by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as detailed in the Supplementary Information Section of this notice.
Learn More🌾USDA Amends Rural Development Funding Opportunities in 2025
The United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (RD), which is comprised of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and Rural Housing Service (RHS), announces that it is amending 14 program funding opportunities to remove references to the prior Administration's key priorities and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)-related scoring criteria to bring them into compliance with the Executive Order, "Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing", issued on January 20, 2025. This notice also confirms that previous Administration key priorities and discretionary points will not be considered during application scoring and makes clear that applicants who already have applied need not reapply. This notice also corrects the Rural Energy for America funding notice to include an omitted funding source.
Learn More🌾Proclamation of National Agriculture Day
The proclamation by the President of the United States honors National Agriculture Day, recognizing the essential role of farmers and agricultural workers. It commits to fortifying the agricultural community and ensuring the sustainability of America's farming practices, with an emphasis on promoting fair trade and improving market access for American agricultural products.
Learn More