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The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency), USDA released a correction notice to a previous announcement about the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program. The initial notice contained two incorrect funding amounts and did not mention that applicants could submit their applications via email. This correction updates the available funding to approximately $33 million and clarifies that applications can be submitted either in paper or electronically by specific deadlines. The notice also provides guidance on where and how to send applications.

The Rural Housing Service has issued a final rule to update regulations for the Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program and the SFH Guaranteed Loan Program. This change aims to provide borrowers with more purchase options and enhance the overall experience of these programs. Key updates include allowing the purchase of existing manufactured homes according to safety standards and extending land-lease terms for new energy-efficient homes. The rule also revises definitions and removes some administrative requirements, reflecting public feedback to improve access to affordable housing in rural areas.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service under the USDA has issued a notice inviting applications for grants under the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program for the fiscal year 2021. These grants aim to promote economic development and job creation in rural areas by funding business opportunity and enterprise projects. Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2021, to the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office. Eligibility is limited to public bodies, government entities, Indian Tribes, or nonprofit entities primarily serving rural areas, with strict requirements and a competitive selection process based on specific criteria.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a final rule through its Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) to amend the USDA organic regulations with new standards for organic mushroom production and pet food handling. This rule clarifies standards such as the composition and sourcing of materials used in organic mushroom production and the use of synthetic nutrients like taurine in organic pet food. These amendments aim to resolve inconsistencies in existing regulations to promote fair competition and market growth for both organic mushrooms and pet food. The rule is effective February 21, 2025, with compliance required by February 22, 2027.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service within the USDA have issued corrections to a final rule for the OneRD Guarantee Loan Program originally published on September 30, 2024. These corrections address issues such as a misspelled subject heading, incorrect instructions, an incomplete definition of an "affiliate," and inaccuracies regarding protective advances. Key changes include clarifying rules about when agency approval is required for protective advances and updating specific sections of the regulation. This corrected rule aims to improve the management of agricultural and rural development loan programs.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is implementing changes to the Biobased Markets Program, also known as the BioPreferred Program, following updates from the 2018 Farm Bill. The updated rule merges two previous sets of guidelines into one, streamlining the regulatory process for designating and labeling biobased products that qualify for federal procurement preferences. This final rule aims to make it easier for these products to qualify for federal use and merges federal guidelines for procurement and labeling into a single, simplified regulation effective January 8, 2025.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service of the USDA has announced an extension for the loan guarantee application deadline for the 9003 Program. This program supports the development of biorefineries, renewable chemicals, and biobased products with loan guarantees up to $250 million. Originally due on October 1, applications can now be submitted until December 31, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Despite requiring a non-binding letter of intent 30 days prior, exceptions can be made, and questions can be directed to the provided USDA contact information.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new reimbursement rates for meals provided under the Summer Food Service Program for 2025. These rates have been adjusted to account for inflation, resulting in an average increase of 3.6% from the previous year. The adjustments are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index and will apply to both operating and administrative costs of the program, which will take effect from January 1, 2025. The changes aim to simplify accounting procedures and ensure sponsors can manage reimbursements efficiently while maintaining nutrition standards.

The Department of Agriculture has finalized a rule superseding the interim rule to establish the Domestic Hemp Production Program, as required by the 2018 Farm Bill. This rule outlines regulations for State and Tribal plans and a Federal plan for hemp production where State or Tribal plans are not USDA-approved. The program details requirements for record-keeping, THC level testing, disposal of non-compliant plants, producer licensing, and overall compliance. The rule also specifies procedures for land use data collection and cooperation with law enforcement and other agricultural agencies.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is requesting feedback on the development of Child Nutrition Programs Tribal Pilot Projects. These projects, authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, will allow Tribes and Tribal organizations to take on roles traditionally held by State agencies in administering school meal programs. The USDA is seeking input from Tribes, Tribal organizations, State agencies, and others on topics like eligibility criteria and the selection process for these pilot projects. Written comments are being accepted until March 24, 2025, to help shape the application process and evaluate potential challenges and support needs.