I recently attended a meeting near the airport to learn more about all the programs that are offered through the USDA. I knew this agency dealt with livestock and agriculture, but I was amazed to discover that their annual budget exceeded $140 billion and consisted of 29 different agencies and over 100,000 employees. That is a lot of eggs and bacon! I had no idea that former Governor Sonny Perdue was at the helm of such a powerful cabinet.As I listened, I was shocked at how little I really knew about this agency. I grew up on a farm, so I knew the USDA was involved in livestock and poultry, but natural resources? It’s true; they provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues, based on public policy, the best available science, and effective land management.
Their vision is “to provide economic opportunity through innovation, helping rural America to thrive; to promote agriculture production that better nourishes Americans while also helping feed others throughout the world; and to preserve our nation’s natural resources through conservation, restored forests, improved watersheds, and healthy private working lands,” (USDA.gov).
Intrigued, I wanted to learn more, so I performed a quick search on Google for the USDA’s history. I was surprised to discover that it was founded in 1862 by President Abraham Lincoln in conjunction with the Homestead Act. A few years later, President Lincoln dubbed the agency “The People’s Department” because nearly half of all Americans were living on farms. Of course, less than 3% of people live on farms today, but agriculture still touches nearly every American every day, whether from dairy, poultry, or economic development.
One major initiative that truly grabbed my attention was the USDA’s Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. In essence, its mission is to connect government with secular and faith-based nonprofit organizations to help people who are in need. This initiative is focused on strengthening communities, so that children and families can flourish.
In concert with this initiative is the USDA’s Rural Prosperity and Economic Development Initiative that provides investments in the form of low-interest loans and grants to impoverished rural areas. With the incredible growth in Cherokee and neighboring counties, we are seeing a shortage of affordable housing. Understanding the dilemma and incredible strain this creates on families, the USDA is partnering with the private sector to solve this challenge. Who would have known that within the giant USDA is hidden a gem focused on rural development and affordable housing?
to your business!