USDA Rural Development’s Post

Why Should Farmers Register with Rural Aid? Watch the video to hear the farmers’ stories: https://lnkd.in/gWAXifxP This video features farmers sharing their experiences about the benefits of registering with Rural Aid. By joining, you gain access to a holistic support system designed to support, empower, and strengthen you and your community. Rural Aid’s central commitment is to support farmers and rural communities throughout the entire disaster lifecycle—before, during, and after—so always. From beginnings with 'Buy a Bale' to their current initiatives, they invest in strong communities, mental health, disaster support, and sustainable agriculture practices. Registering with Rural Aid is quick and easy. Once you’re registered, applying for assistance when it’s needed becomes much simpler. Plus, registering benefits your neighbours too! Rural Aid can provide more support when there’s a concentration of registered farmers in an area. Join 18,000+ farmers already registered with Rural Aid and gain access to a network of resources. As an independent charity, Rural Aid relies on the generosity of their industry partners, donors, and volunteers to make their vision a reality. For more information, visit: https://lnkd.in/gGqhKdec Do you know a farmer? Share this video—it’s purely about being prepared and supported, regardless of your agricultural sector, state, or region. Remember, "One conversation at the right time with the right person can change everything." Register with Rural Aid today! #agriculture #communityengagement #mentalhealthmatters #sustainability #farming #disasterrecovery #resilience #partnership

In South Texas, one woman is leading an agricultural renaissance Texas is losing an estimated 1,000 acres of farm land a day, mostly to other industries. The Rio Grande Valley is losing land at a faster clip. The Rio Grande Valley is among the most rapidly changing areas in the state. Since 1997, the region has lost more than 139,000 acres, or about 7.4% of farmland, far higher than the statewide average of 1.5% during that same time period. As the government leaders throughout the region push toward drawing tech companies to the area and training their workforce for those jobs, Lopez hopes there can be a balance between that drive forward and the preservation of their existing resources. "I certainly see the importance of the economic development aspects of the Valley, but can we do it in a way that it's sustainable? That's the key," he said. "Can we do it in a way that that development is sustainable and protecting the very resources that we need for those economic drivers?" Hidalgo County has a nearly 28% poverty rate while Cameron County, where Padilla's farm is located, has a nearly 23% poverty rate, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With greater understanding and creativity, the Rio Grande Valley can balance economic development and preservation of the land. The key is to consider industries, other than tech or manufacturing, that create jobs, stimulate business, develop careers, and increase tourism, while sustaining the culture, landscape, and uniqueness of the region.

ALLOW ME TO VENT Pastoralism stands as more than a way of life rather it's embodied as a deep connection to the land and a tradition that sustains communities for generations. Their lives are intertwined with the rhythms of nature, their movement dictated by the changing season. But in the recent past, this has changed to just having dry-season grazing reserves due to an increase in population. Yet with the many other challenges from climate change, drought, floods, land degradation and changes in social cohesion. Today Baringo faces yet another challenge of insecurity fueled by age-old struggle over livestock and land. Something that sustained those communities now tears them apart, leaving behind fear and despair. Areas that once acted as grazing grounds have turned into battlefields with heightened gunfire confrontations against a bow and arrows. Livestock is considered a symbol of wealth but today is a game of pata potea, ask a pastoralist how many animals you have and he will laugh it off and say cio mingi just know his herd is good enough to make me smile Hatuhesabu watoto na mifugo. Each day that passes women, children and the elderly are running to hide in caves for the night. The scar is deep to deep fuelling unrest, resentment and chaos. Can we count the number of lives lost and the many in the hospital? Not a single day passes without a confrontation, families have been displaced, schools have been shut down by Operation Fagia and livelihood is now threatened. People who were once considered wealthy and could sustain their way of life if this continues will start calling on the government to offer aid. Does the government know? yes, they do! I can't count the number of times I have seen the KDF cars going to Kapedo or the GSU camp at Yatia. Let me leave it there for now. But the motive remains unclear it's beyond the traditional pastoralism norm. As a nation, we need to speak out against what is happening in the north, in Baringo, Laikipia, Samburu, west Pokot and Marakwet. #peace #insecurity #livelihoodloss #socialinjustice #biodiversityloss #conservation #pastoralism

The Biden-Harris Administration is making historic and transformative investments in rural America through the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Rural Partners Network. As President Biden said during the Rural Infrastructure Tour, “As we unlock federal resources and generate results for these communities, we are unlocking opportunity – job opportunities, educational opportunities, and the opportunity for a better future.”  In rural communities across the country, everyday Americans are leveraging federal resources to create good-paying jobs, spur economic growth and stability, and improve the quality of life of their family and neighbors. From building safe roads and bridges, to expanding clean, affordable and reliable energy, and increasing access to markets and competition for farmers and producers – together, we are ensuring that rural Americans do not have to leave home to find opportunity. Through the White House Rural Innovators Initiative, the Biden-Harris Administration is proud to uplift stories of extraordinary rural leaders, who are taking action and ensuring their communities thrive for generations to come.  The Biden-Harris Administration invites nominations from the public for Rural Innovators who are making a positive impact in their rural communities. Nominations of individuals of all ages, including youth leaders, are welcome. Nominated individuals could be engaged in either the public and private sectors, including local, state, Tribal and territory governments; non-profits; businesses; philanthropy; or academia. The nomination form will close on Friday, June 14 at midnight EST. Selected individuals will be recognized as Rural Innovators later this year.

We commissioned three linked, guest blogs to explore under-recognised geographies of hardship in Wales. The blogs describe how poverty has particular drivers and manifests in specific ways in different kinds of communities – peri-urban, rural and farming – and, as WCPP's Dr Amy Lloyd explains, may therefore require tailored policy solutions. Professor Michael Woods describes how poverty in rural Wales can be masked amongst wealthier neighbours and the impact of factors such as poor transport links, high fuel costs and housing issues can be felt more keenly. Eleri Williams of Building Communities Trust highlights that the experience of hardship for those at the margins of urban centres, may be intensified by the absence of social connection and social infrastructure. Eifiona Thomas Lane and Peter Gittins argue that hardship for farming communities is set to increase and efforts to address the climate emergency risk intensifying challenges for farming households. BLOGS ➡ https://lnkd.in/etWwjBUx

Earlier this year, the USDA Equity Commission released its final report. This comprehensive report explores nine recommendation areas for improving USDA’s services and provides a roadmap for positive systems change within the Department. Our partner, Aspen CSG, produced a blog that shares the voices of several of the people who helped shape the report, including subcommittee members and USDA staff including our CEO, Dr. Jennie L. Stephens. A recommendation from the report urges a more holistic approach with non-loan options for families without clear titles. "Without a title, you don't have much to show for the land you have, and you cannot use this land as collateral. At CHPP™, for 19 years, we have used a mixture of grants and cooperative agreements to deliver "FREE" legal services to remediate title issues, thereby equalizing the playing field in ability to access the full suite of USDA programs and maximize the use of land." - Jennie L. Stephens, CEO of Center for Heirs' Property Preservation (CHPP), USDA Equity Commission Agriculture Subcommittee member. https://lnkd.in/eaeKBswj

#TBT Did you see this crucial report from Headwaters Group and Hispanic Access Foundation finding that 44% of Latinos live in US counties with a high #flood risk, compared to 35% of non-Latinos? According to FEMA, 1 in 4 Latinos live in a county that experienced a flooding disaster in 2023, compared to 1 in 10 non-Latinos. Climate change and resiliency are civil rights issues and must be part of an all-sector strategy across housing, work force, health, and more. UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS) Raza Development Fund Urban Institute Thanks Aniket Mehrotra for flagging!

Rural isn’t a place to leave – it’s where swaths of diverse populations come and thrive. It’s where traditions are passed down from generation to generation, perseverance and dedication are valued above all, and a sense of community runs deep. Across American history, rural communities have led nationwide policy changes that improved lives around the country. Today, these rural communities stand ready to innovate once again. Check out this article from our partners in Partners for Rural Transformation in the The Daily Yonder https://lnkd.in/g_-vFMTZ

Did you know Dakota Resources was created to connect capital and capacity to empower rural communities? Since 1996, we have been committed to serving rural South Dakota and beyond. Share this post with a rural economic development organization that may benefit from our services. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gQCGUskB #DakotaResources #RuralDevelopment #ThrivingCommunities #RuralLeadership #EconomicEmpowerment

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