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We are, however, seeking to ensure that placement of our funds is coordinated with, and supports the delivery of, the funds of other entities. We are also seeking to leverage our funds to the maximum extent possible with other lenders. Guaranteed programs are made through local financial institutions with coordination at the local level. The mission area strategic plan is the basis for the development of State/Tribal strategic plans required by the 1996 Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. Rural Development State Directors have developed these plans with their various public and private partners to support the coordinated delivery of all resources, both financial and technical.
Other Federal agencies with which the mission area works closely are Economic Research Service; Farm Service Agency; Natural Resources Conservation Service; Forest Service; Foreign Agricultural Service; Agricultural Marketing Service; Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service; and National Agricultural Statistics Service. Outside of the Department, coordination is required with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Economic Development Administration, Environmental Protection Agency, Small Business Administration, Department of Labor, Department of Energy, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and Federal Communications Commission.
Strategic Goals: The Rural Development strategic plan consists of three goals and four management initiatives. The goals support Goal 1 of the Departmental strategic plan --- "Expand economic and trade opportunities for agricultural producers and other rural residents." The management initiatives in the Rural Development plan support the four management initiatives in the Departmental plan.
Goal 1: Good Jobs and Diverse Markets. “Rural Development will improve the quality of life in rural America by encouraging the establishment and growth of rural businesses and cooperatives.”
Goal #1 of the mission area plan is specific to the programs administered by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS). The Agency is responsible for delivering business development programs authorized by the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, Food Security Act of 1985, Rural Electrification Administration Act of 1936, and cooperative development programs authorized by the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926 and the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946.
Objectives of Goal 1:
1.1 Increase the availability and quality of jobs in rural areas.
1.2 Encourage and promote the use of marketing networks and cooperative partnerships to increase and expand business outlets.
1.3 Direct Rural Development program resources to those rural communities and customers with the greatest need.
1.4 Manage the loan portfolio in a manner that is efficient and effective.