On Thursday, August 18, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the award of $3.2 million in grants to a variety of investments in rural and Tribal community development across the nation.   A total of 32 projects in 15 states will receive funding.

These grants are awarded annually by USDA’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program, which according to the USDA news release are given “to support small business and job creation opportunities, and [this year in particular to] train workers in Native American communities.”

Congratulations to two NSAC members on receiving RBEG awards.  Farm to Table in New Mexico will receive $48,500.  Center for Rural Affairs in Nebraska was awarded $99,000 to work with the Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska, providing training and technical assistance in the development of an organic community garden, Farm to School project, and Farmers Market.

NSAC supports USDA’s continuing attention to rural development and Tribal communities.

Download NSAC’s Guide to Federal Funding for Local and Regional Food Systems to learn more about the applicability of the Rural Business Enterprise Grants to local and regional food systems.