Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act

The "Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act" reauthorizes rural cooperative development grants under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 . This legislation aims to bolster rural economies by supporting the startup, expansion, and sustainability of new and existing cooperatives. Key provisions include a broadened definition of "cooperative development" to encompass outreach, education, training, and technical assistance. The bill also mandates that grant applicants commit to providing services to socially vulnerable, underserved, or distressed communities , and it awards maximum scoring points to those meeting specific criteria. Furthermore, the Act strengthens program oversight by requiring the Secretary to analyze research data and include it in an annual report. It also mandates that an interagency working group submit annual reports to Congress detailing its activities, ensuring greater transparency and accountability for the grant program.