Bill > HR1951

This bill amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to reauthorize and expand rural cooperative development grants. The legislation defines "cooperative development" as activities including outreach, education, training, and technical assistance to support the startup, expansion, or ongoing sustainability of new and existing cooperatives. It modifies the existing grant program by requiring applicants to commit to providing technical assistance to socially vulnerable, underserved, or distressed communities and allows maximum points in scoring criteria for applicants meeting certain requirements. The bill also mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture analyze research data related to cooperative development and include this analysis in an annual report to Congress. Additionally, the bill extends the authorization of the rural cooperative development grants program from the period of 2014-2023 to 2025-2029, ensuring continued support for cooperative initiatives in rural communities. The bill aims to strengthen rural economic development by providing targeted support and resources to cooperative enterprises, particularly in underserved areas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1951/all-info