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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06537 — National Environmental Policy Act
The USDA just made final some updated rules about how they check the environment before starting projects, following changes from higher-up government orders and court decisions. These new rules affect anyone involved in USDA projects by simplifying the process and removing old regulations, aiming to speed things up without losing environmental care. The changes kick in on April 3, 2026, and could save time and money while keeping nature safe.
2026-06173 — Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program-Income Producing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Provisions
The USDA’s Rural Housing Service wants to update its loan program so people can get loans to buy homes with one or more income-producing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This means homeowners can finance properties that include rental units or spaces for home-based work. If you’re interested, make sure to send your comments by June 1, 2026!
2026-05387 — Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
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2026-04531 — Supplemental Disaster Relief Program and Dairy Margin Coverage Program; Correction
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2025-23089 — Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Implementation of the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022 and Related Provisions; Correcting Amendments
This update fixes small mistakes in the WIC program rules that were made when new baby formula laws kicked in February 2024. It affects families using WIC benefits by making sure the rules are clear and correct, so they get the support they need without confusion. These corrections take effect December 17, 2025, keeping the program running smoothly and fairly.
2025-20455 — Agricultural Disaster Indemnity Programs; Approval of Information Collection Request
Farmers and ranchers hit by disasters will get help faster thanks to new approved forms and info rules. The USDA just got the green light to collect the info they need to pay out disaster aid smoothly through October 2027. This means quicker payments and clearer paperwork for those who grow our food when tough times strike.
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