USDA announced it is funding programs to lower electricity costs, boost domestic fertilizer production and expand independent meat and poultry processing.
The agency announced it is investing $3 billion through its Empowering Rural America (New ERA) Program to reduce electricity costs. Nearly $2.5 billion in financing will go to the Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, with six rural electric cooperatives advancing in the awards process for $1 billion in New ERA funds.
Additionally, USDA is allocating $120 million for fertilizer production projects across six states, and $20.2 million in Local Meat Capacity grants will expand meat and poultry processing, creating local jobs and improving market options for producers, the department said.
