News

USDA funding receives boost in Biden’s FY22 budget request

The Office of Management and Budget has submitted President Biden’s priorities for fiscal year 2022 discretionary spending to Congress. The request includes $27.8 billion for the USDA, a $3.8 billion increase from the 2021 enacted level.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the budget provides the resources for USDA to build back better, stronger, more resilient and equitably than ever before. He says now is the time to close the broadband gap, work with farmers and ranchers to transform the food system and build new markets, and more.

The discretionary request provides an increase of $65 million over the 2021 level for Reconnect, a rural e-connectivity program.  It would also provide $4 billion for USDA’s research, education, and outreach programs; $1.2 billion to bolster the capacity of small and regional meat processing facilities, and nearly $7 billion for critical nutrition programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

OMB says the request represents only one element of the administration’s broader agenda. In the coming months, the administration will release a budget that builds on the discretionary funding request and details a comprehensive fiscal vision for the nation.