USDA Seeks Feedback on Rural Project Paperwork Form
Published Date: 1/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on a form they use to help plan and support rural economic and community projects. They want to make sure the form is useful, clear, and not too much work for people to fill out. Comments are open until February 13, 2026, so anyone affected by rural development programs should speak up now!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Food Supply Chain Loans Closed
The Food Supply Chain (FSC) Guaranteed Loan Program no longer has funding available, and Rural Development is not accepting applications for new FSC loans. The information collection for FSC shows 311 respondents, an annual reporting frequency, and total burden of 1,292 hours.
Paperwork Burden for SECD Applicants
The Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) information collection applies to businesses and not-for-profit institutions and expects 100 respondents with a total burden of 580 hours. The collection is used to determine eligibility for projects that support multijurisdictional and multisectoral community investment plans under the 2018 Farm Bill.
Electronic Submission Allowed But Optional
For these Rural Development programs, the agency allows electronic submission of applications and reports but will not require electronic submission so applicants without necessary technology can submit by other means. The FSC program used an online application system and applicants who receive funding are encouraged, but not required, to submit reports electronically.
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Key Dates
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