Apr 14, 2020

USDA unveils tool to help rural communities address the COVID-19 pandemic

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue on April 13 unveiled a one-stop-shop of federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide (PDF, 349 KB) is a first-of-its-kind resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic.

“Under the leadership of President Trump, USDA is committed to being a strong partner to rural communities preparing for and impacted by COVID-19,” Perdue said. “This resource guide will help our rural leaders, whether they are in agriculture, education, health care or any other leadership capacity, understand what federal assistance is available for their communities during this unprecedented time.”

USDA has taken many immediate actions to assist farmers, ranchers, producers, rural communities and rural-based businesses and organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

These programs can support recovery efforts for rural residents, businesses and communities through:

• technical, training, and management assistance;

• financial assistance; and

• state and local assistance.

This resource matrix organizes funding opportunities identified in the CARES Act and other federal resources that can help support rural America. Opportunities are categorized by customer and assistance type. For more information on the immediate actions USDA is taking to respond to COVID-19, visit usda.gov/coronavirus.

For more information on these actions, visit www.usda.gov/coronavirus.