USDA Rural Development has $25.5 million available under the Community Facility Program in Wisconsin in the form of guaranteed loans, low interest loans and grants for community projects, including those meeting this initiative.

Several USDA programs are available under the “Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food” initiative to assist projects that focus on emphasizing the need for strengthening the fundamental and critical reconnection between producers and consumers.  

"The goal of the ‘Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food’ initiative is to help develop and support local and regional food systems, to support our local farmers, strengthen rural communities, promote healthy eating and protect natural resources…Wisconsin’s economic future is directly linked to an expansion of agriculture capacity,” said Stan Gruszynski, USDA Rural Development Wisconsin State Director. “Linking the agricultural community to consumers promotes the importance of healthy foods and provides access to fresh foods. We are building upon existing programs to engage in new strategies that will help support economic stability for our rural communities.”

The USDA Rural Development Community Facility Program builds on the 2008 Farm Bill by providing funding for community-based projects that support and promote local foods. The effort not only supports increasing economic opportunities for local farmers, but also supports community projects that help educate families and promote and offer healthy food choices for families and school children.

Projects eligible for USDA Rural Development Community Facility funding are facilities that support and provide access to local and regional food systems including food banks, food storage and distribution centers, school kitchens and cafeterias, Farm-to-School programs, farmers markets, community gardens, community kitchens, and facilities that provide nutrition education and training programs.  Funding is available to local government and public bodies, community-based non-profit organizations, and Indian Tribes. USDA Community Facility funding may be used to fund purchase of real estate, buildings and building expansions, equipment, and vehicles.

The “Know Your Farmer Know Your Food” website, at www.usda.gov/knowyourfarmer, features social media tools that will help engage the public in conversation on farming and food, while linking producers to customers.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. This past year, USDA Rural Development returned nearly $700 million to rural Wisconsin communities. The funding supports a wide variety of loan, guaranteed loan and grant programs to rural residents in the areas of housing, community facilities, business development, infrastructure, and other development needs. Further information on USDA Rural Development programs is available by visiting USDA’s website at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/wi. USDA Rural Development is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.