NRECA applauds Perdue’s comments on rural development in Farm Bill

National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) CEO Jim Matheson responded Wednesday to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s announcement of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA’s) 2018 Farm Bill and Legislative Principles.

One of the key principles Perdue discussed is rural development. In his statement, Matheson highlighted the role that electric cooperative play in rural development by providing energy and broadband to farms and other rural businesses.

“Maintaining and improving the rural electric grid and providing access to high-speed Internet must be part of any rural economic development package,” Matheson said. “Electric co-ops are leading on both fronts, partnering with states and communities to strengthen the grid and improve access to broadband.”

While Perdue noted that USDA would provide counsel to Congress on its creation, Matheson also noted that NRECA would work with lawmakers on the development of the 2018 Farm Bill to ensure that it addresses rural economic development issues comprehensively.

“The Farm Bill is an important vehicle for facilitating the innovative work of electric cooperatives in energy and broadband services as well as their role as economic development organizations in the communities they serve,” Matheson said. “There are many programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that are crucial to the prosperity of rural areas. We look forward to working with Secretary Perdue, the White House, and Congress to ensure that the 2018 Farm Bill addresses the many pressing issues facing rural Americans.”