Ag agency targets rural poverty in W.Va., Va.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Ag agency targets rural poverty in W.Va., Va.
By The Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is targeting rural poverty in West Virginia, Virginia and more than a dozen other states.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Tuesday the department will provide a total $15 million in technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and private forest owners in areas with persistent poverty.

The funding is part of the department’s StrikeForce Initiative. It can be used for water conservation improvements, soil protection and other conservation improvements.

The StrikeForce Initiative serves 30 counties in West Virginia and 51 counties in Virginia. - See more at: http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20140520/GZ01/140529959/1101#sthash.zZk89s8b.dpuf

The Strike Force Initiative website: https://prod.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/home/?cid=STELPRDB1047301