USDA Highlights Biden-Harris Administration’s First-Year Accomplishments to Create Better Market Opportunities for Rural Businesses in North Carolina
RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 19, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today highlighted the Biden-Harris administration’s first-year accomplishments in North Carolina to help create better market opportunities for rural businesses, their suppliers and their customers.
“The COVID-19 pandemic upended the lives and livelihoods of millions of rural American people,” Torres Small said. “In the face of this challenge, I am proud of what USDA has accomplished under this Administration’s leadership to minimize damage and be there for rural
America as we all Build Back Better and stronger.”
USDA Rural Development North Carolina has taken several steps to help improve rural economies and to support the businesses, workers, residents and communities that rely on them.
“In North Carolina Rural Development is helping rural businesses reach a global marketplace through investments that will increase access to high-speed broadband in rural communities,” said Rural Development State Director Reginald Speight. “Rural Development is committed to assure every home has access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet.”
In the Tar Heel State Rural Development significantly expanded investments in rural broadband during the Biden-Harris administration’s first 12 months. The Department invested $5.2 million to finance broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved rural areas during Fiscal Year 2021.
• Atlantic Telephone Membership Corporation is using a $2.9 million Community Connect grant to construct an approximately 60 mile Fiber-to-the Premises system. This system expands access to economic, educational, health care and public safety opportunities for 2.5 thousand residents and 19 businesses in the communities of Robeson County. Funds also will help refurbish a community center where residents can access the free highspeed internet for up to two years.
• Star Telephone Membership Corporation is using a $2.3 million Community Connect grant to construct an approximately 120 mile Fiber-to-the Premises system. This system expands access to economic, educational, health care and public safety opportunities for 1.8 thousand residents and 15 businesses in Sampson County. Funds also will help refurbish a disused elementery school that will be used as a community center where residents can access the free high-speed internet for up to two years.
In December, USDA launched a program to make more than $1 billion in loan guarantees available to help businesses in the food supply chain process their products and get them to market. The new Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program will help meat and poultry processors and other food businesses that are active in the middle of the food supply chain: manufacturing, storage, transportation and distribution.
Also last month, USDA Rural Development announced new investments to increase significantly
the sales and use of higher blends of bioethanol and biodiesel through expansion of the infrastructure for renewable fuels derived from U.S. agricultural products. USDA plans to announce the application window for $100 million in grants in the coming months.
In addition, USDA has made $700 million available through the Biofuel Producer Program to provide direct payments to producers who experienced market losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to apply for this assistance is Feb. 11, 2022.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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