Funding Will Support Family Farms, Small Businesses, Infrastructure and Clean Energy in Underserved Rural and Tribal Communities
San Juan, PR- Dec. 4, 2024 – USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a new round of investments totaling more than $194 million to support local economic development plans and projects in Rural Partners Network (RPN) communities and other neighboring communities across 14 states and Puerto Rico. USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden highlighted today’s announcement at the Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation 2024 Seminar in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Maximiliano J. Trujillo-Ortega, State Director of USDA Rural Development for Puerto Rico informed that Puerto Rico received $948,352 in grants be use for the economic development of rural communities.
The New projects in Puerto Rico are:
- Corsos Coffee Farm LLC located in Jayuya was awarded $250,000 in VAPG funds. This investment will be used to assist, in processing and marketing of packaged roasted coffee.
- Ganaderos Borges Inc., a farm located in Naguabo located was awarded $250,000 in VAPG funds to assist in the processing and marketing of packaged beef sausages.
- Pathstone Enterprises Center was awarded $144,068 in RBDG funds that will be used to provided technical assistance and training focused on financing, marketing, business plan development, cost analysis, resiliency measures and management efficiency to 100 entrepreneurs.
- Latino Economic Development Corp. was awarded $99,984 in RDGB funds to provide technical assistance for small businesses in the municipalities of Maricao, Guánica, Adjuntas, Lajas, Jayuya, and Comerio
- Vega Baja Municipality was awarded $30,665 in HPG to improve/repair 4 rural residence in the municipality.
Previous Announced projects are:
- Vitrina Solidaria was awarded $93,658 in RBDG funds to be used to assist with workshops and coaching sessions for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the municipalities of Luquillo, Fajardo and Ceiba.
- Fondo de Inversion y Desarrollo Cooperativo (FIDEICOOP) was awarded $79,977 in SDGG funds that will be used to provide technical assistance to twenty-five Hispanic cooperatives located in rural areas of Puerto Rico.
The Programs announced today are:
- Value Producer Grants (VAPG) that help producers generate news products, create or expand marketing opportunities and increase producer income.
- Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG) that support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities that promote the development and expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas.
- Socially Disadvantage Groups Grant (SDGG) provides technical assistance to socially disadvantaged groups through rural cooperatives and Cooperative Development Centers. Invitations to apply are published each fiscal year in a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in the Federal Register.
- Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.
The Biden-Harris Administration launched RPN in April 2022 to ensure people in historically underserved rural and Tribal communities receive their fair share of funding from federal agencies. RPN is an all-of-government collaboration supported by 25 federal agencies and regional commissions.
“The Rural Partners Network has broken down barriers so underserved rural communities and families can access the resources they need to prepare for the future,” Secretary Vilsack said. “Today, we’re celebrating several more examples of how aligning those resources with local blueprints for success will keep rural and Tribal communities across the country thriving for generations to come.”
“The Rural Partners Network has broken down barriers so underserved rural communities and families can access the resources they need to prepare for the future,” Secretary Vilsack said. “Today, we’re celebrating several more examples of how aligning those resources with local blueprints for success will keep rural and Tribal communities across the country thriving for generations to come.”
Today USDA is awarding more than $194 million in grants and loans to support 118 projects that will help rural and Tribal communities address immediate needs and create sustainable economic growth. Many of these projects are the direct result of collaboration between community networks and federal staff living and working in the communities.
Background: Rural Partners Network
Launched in April 2022 and expanded in November 2022, RPN is now active in 36 community networks in 10 states and Puerto Rico.
Community networks receive support from full-time USDA staff who live and work locally. These staff members provide technical assistance based on each community’s needs, helping them navigate federal programs, build relationships and apply for funding. In addition to USDA staff, there are staff at more than 25 other federal agencies dedicated to making resources across the government easier to access for people in rural communities.
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. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page. You can follow us at our X Account @RD_PuertoRico.
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