This bill directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide technical assistance to help rural communities and organizations better access federal agricultural development programs. The Secretary of Agriculture must establish this assistance program within one year and can work directly with local governments, nonprofits, businesses, healthcare facilities, and community organizations in underserved rural areas. The bill targets geographically distressed areas, including those in socially vulnerable communities, counties with persistent poverty, economically struggling regions, or areas near the U.S.-Mexico border that lack adequate water, sewer, or housing services. Beginning one year after the bill's enactment, the Agriculture Department must publish annual public reports detailing how the technical assistance program has benefited these underserved areas, and submit these reports to relevant congressional committees. The legislation does not specify dedicated funding amounts but requires the department to deliver the assistance through existing authorities or new cooperative agreements.
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