USDA Investing Millions in Rural America, Trade Progress Slowing

Now the USDA is making available $78 million in investments in local and regional food systems.

$48 million in loan guarantees are now available through USDA Rural Development’s Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program and $30 million is available through the Agricultural Marketing Service’s Farmers Market and Local Foods Promotion Program.

One official says the entire business community is grinding slowly to a halt because it sees the window closing on getting TPA done this year.

Without TPA Japan and other trade partners worry the administration could amend a signed deal due to congressional pressure which would force a new round of trade talks.

U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman says the best strategy is to present Congress with a comprehensive TPP deal to gain leverage for TPA.