Because these three agencies are closely aligned, they are commonly referred to as the USDA Rural Development, Business & Cooperative Programs.
The mission of the RBS is to enhance the quality of life for rural Americans by providing leadership in building competitive businesses including sustainable cooperatives that can prosper in the global marketplace.
The organization meets these goals by: In addition to supporting rural business, economic, and cooperative development, the Agency has become increasingly involved in renewable energy and value-added agriculture since the enactment of the 2002 Farm Bill.
[1] Typically there is a Business & Cooperative Program section associated with each USDA Rural Development State Office.
[2] Nearly all of the Agency's programs are funded annually through Congressional appropriation as part of the U.S. Federal Government budget process.