Monday, Oct 3 2011 4:40PM
USDA's cooperatives aim to encourage job growth in rural communities
Cooperatives are integral to the economic advancement, including job creation, of rural communities throughout the country, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secreatary Dallas Tonsager said in a statement.
According to Tonsager, agricultural and fishery cooperatives developed approximately 7,000 new jobs in 2010. He added, agriculture co-op sales accounted for $170 billion last year and led to a net income of $4.3 billion before taxes for agricultural and fishery co-ops.
"Cooperatives – as a business model that puts the needs of member-owners and community first, and which help to keep more sales dollars and profits working close to home – are a key cog in the nation's economic recovery efforts," said Tonsager.
In addition to co-ops being beneficial to rural communities, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced five new
biofuel projects which he said will address the need to reduce dependence on foreign oil, develop renewable energy and create rural jobs.
"We have an incredible opportunity to create thousands of new jobs and drive economic development in rural communities across America by continuing to build the framework for a competitively-priced, American-made biofuels industry," Vilsack said.
For further reference, check out these sources:
United States Department of Agriculture