Spurring Rural Development & Pumpkin Production

Friday Oct 19th, 2012 38 Views Northwest Report

Spurring Rural Development & Pumpkin Production. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Northwest Report.

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the selection of 112 recipients in 39 states, Washington, DC, and the Western Pacific for loans and grants to help spur rural economic development and create or save jobs. A number of Oregon, Idaho and Washington businesses were part of the selection. USDA is providing assistance through several Rural Development programs.USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $174 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

Well it’s pumpkin season and due to the seasonal demand, producers have really ramped things up. Ag economist Suzanne Thornsbury.

THORNSBURY: The trend in pumpkin production has been up. More and more people are decorating with pumpkins. People still like to go out and pick their own, carve the jack-o-lanterns and have a little holiday celebration.

Now here’s today’s Washington Grange report.

(Grange)

That’s today’s Northwest Report. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.