BAINBRIDGE – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its Rural Cooperative Development program, has awarded a $199,925 grant to THE Ohio State University. This grant will be used to help the University’s Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Center for Cooperatives improve economic conditions in Appalachian areas of Ohio and West Virginia. Dave has worked to support the USDA’s Rural Cooperative Development program through his seat on the House Appropriations Committee, voting to increase the program’s funding by $1,550,000 from FY18 to FY19.

“Cooperatives are an essential part of our nation’s economy, especially in our rural communities,” said Dave. “This grant will help Ohio farmers and ranchers market their products, acquire much-needed supplies, and gain access to broadband internet and other critical services. I applaud the USDA for awarding this important funding to the Ohio State University and look forward to seeing its positive results in Ohio’s rural farming communities.”

Specifically, this funding will help the Center for Cooperatives in providing continued education and technical assistance in the areas of cooperative agriculture and food system development. It will also help small businesses in the wood products and forest industry explore the cooperative model.

The USDA Rural Cooperative Development program aims to improve economic conditions in rural communities by helping individuals and businesses start, expand or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses. Grants received through this program can be used to develop and operate a rural cooperative development center that provides technical assistance and other services to rural businesses.

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