RCDG Background

The Rural Technology and Cooperative Development Grant Program (RTCDG) was authorized by section 210B(f) through (h) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932 Act.). The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act (FAIR) of 1996, P.L. 104-127, removed "technology" from RTCDG, thereby directing the focus of the program specifically to cooperative development. The FAIR Act also modified application requirements and selective criteria. The RCDG Program was further amended by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, better known as the 2002 Farm Bill. The regulation that reflects these amendments as well as other program updates was published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2004. It can also be viewed on this web site.

Rural Cooperative Development grants are made for establishing and operating centers for cooperative development for the primary purpose of improving the economic condition of rural areas through the development of new cooperatives and improving operations of existing cooperatives. The U.S. Department of Agriculture desires to encourage and stimulate the development of effective cooperative organizations in rural America as a part of its total package of rural development efforts. Eligible applicants are nonprofit corporations including institutions of higher education.

For more information about the program, please read the program regulation posted on this website or contact your State Rural Development Office to obtain additional information and assistance. A contact person, address, phone number, and e-mail address for each State Office is posted on this website.