In a letter to NCBA President and CEO Paul Hazen, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack asked NCBA to assist USDA in their strategy to bridge financial gaps and provide new investment opportunities for rural Americans.
On March 4, Hazen and staff met with USDA Under Secretary Dallas Tonsager, Administrator of Business and Cooperative Programs Judith Canales and other USDA officials. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how USDA and cooperatives could work together to address long-term capital financing and investment needs for rural America.
During the meeting, NCBA Vice President of Public Affairs & Member Services Adam Schwartz provided a presentation on NCBA activities including an overview of the National Cooperative Capital Investment Fund.
“The opportunity to discuss our work and share the successes of cooperatives to Under Secretary Tonsager and Administrator Canales was invaluable,” said Hazen. “The meeting was a great first step to address Secretary Vilsack’s request, and we look forward to assisting USDA in their efforts to provide economic opportunities for rural America.”
Source: NCBA
