In addition, funds may be used for refinancing, fees for professional services, technical assistance, startup costs and working capital, financial assistance to a third party, production of television programs targeted to rural residents, and rural distance-learning networks. Rural Cooperative Development Grants finance the establishment and operation of centers for cooperative development. The program enhances the economy of rural areas by developing new cooperatives and fostering improved operations for existing co-ops. The Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas program provides information to farmers and other rural users on a variety of sustainable agricultural practices, including crop and livestock operations. It helps agriculture by giving reliable, practical information on production techniques and practices that reduce costs and that are friendly to the environment.
Farmers can request information via a toll-free telephone number.
The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center promotes strategic development activities to strengthen and enhance production and marketing of sheep, goats, and their products in the United States. The center, which has a board of directors to oversee its activities, operates a revolving fund for loans and grants. The Research on Rural Cooperative Opportunities and Problems program provides funding for cooperative research agreements with universities, State agencies, and nonprofit associations. Information and research findings from these projects are published by the institution or by USDA Rural Development. Cooperative Services helps improve the performance of the Nation's cooperatives and promotes understanding and use of the cooperative form of business.