Source: USDA, 9/4/14

A coordinated federal, state, and local effort addressing the needs of rural southeastern North Carolina communities suffering from persistent poverty will meet Friday, September 12, Pembroke Boys & Girls Club, 6984 NC HWY 711, 10AM. This effort, the USDA StrikeForce Initiative for Rural Growth and Opportunity, joins area private sector and public sector to increase economic opportunities. USDA, host of the event, encourages public attendance and comments.

Mayors, Commissioners, farmers, and community based organizations will discuss with USDA officials the process of how citizens and towns can obtain infrastructure, home and agricultural loans, preserve soil, and insure crops.

USDA Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources & Conservation Service, Risk Management Agency, and Rural Development will make presentations. Bob Etheridge, State Director for USDA for Farm Service Agency, is Chair of USDA 2014 StrikeForce.
Interested organizations should RSVP with Alicia Bridges (919) 8754803 or Alicia.Bridges@nc.usda.gov by September 9. Visit www.usda.gov/strikeforce for details on the StrikeForce Initiative.