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Friday, February 07, 2014

Obama introduces 'Made in Rural America' to promote farmers, other rural exports

As President Obama signed the Farm Bill into law Friday, he also introduced a new program that he said would help farmers and rural businesses. The program, "Made in Rural America," will "connect rural businesses with federal resources that can help sell their products and services abroad," Nedra Pickler reports for The Associated Press. "The program’s creation comes as U.S. farmers are sending more products overseas — a record $140.9 billion in the last fiscal year — but U.S. officials say additional opportunities exist overseas for farmers and other rural business owners."

A news release from The White House says "The President has instructed his Rural Council – in coordination with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Small Business Administration, the Export-Import Bank, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and other agencies – to commit to connecting more rural businesses of all types to export information and assistance through a comprehensive strategy including the following specific commitments, to be provided over the next nine months." For a White House fact sheet, click here.

Plans are being made to "host five 'Made in Rural America' regional forums dedicated to promoting rural exports by providing rural leaders and businesses with information about federal and other resources available to help expand exports," the release says. Also, later this year, an "Investing in Rural America" conference will "connect major investors with rural business leaders, high-level government officials, economic development experts, and other partners."

Other plans include training sessions "to equip local USDA Rural Development staff in all 50 states plus territories with the tools they need to counsel businesses on export opportunities and resources," enhancing, "counseling for rural businesses to connect with foreign buyers," the promotion of  "rural-produced goods and services at trade events including trade missions, buyer programs, trade shows, and other promotion programs," the education of local leaders "on the importance of rural exports," and to "use the BusinessUSA online platform to better connect rural businesses with export and investment resources and coordinate support from across the federal government." (Read more)

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