For rural counties across the U.S., the 2025 Farm Bill isn’t just a legislative update—it’s a defining moment. With the current version set to expire on September 30, 2025, this new Farm Bill will help determine how much support communities can access for broadband, clean water, small business growth, and local job creation over the next five years. If you’re a county leader, business owner, or economic developer, now is the time to pay attention.

A Framework That Shapes Federal Support

The Farm Bill includes more than agriculture programs—it’s the backbone for how counties secure federal funding across multiple areas. From grants and loan programs to technical assistance and cost-sharing support, this legislation lays out how local governments can access—and implement—federal resources.

A few key programs counties rely on:

  • Broadband and telecommunications loans and grants through USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
  • Water and wastewater infrastructure funding under USDA’s Water and Environmental Programs (WEP)
  • Community facilities funding, supporting construction of health clinics, emergency buildings, and other vital services

These programs can be game-changers—but only if counties can access and administer them. That’s why the structure of the next Farm Bill matters so much.

Boosting Local Economies Through Workforce and Business Support

The Farm Bill also invests in people and small businesses—tools that build local resilience from the ground up. Workforce development programs like the RISE Program fund job accelerators in underserved areas, while Rural Business Development Grants provide training and technical assistance for small businesses trying to grow and adapt.

There’s also targeted support for:

  • Beginning farmers and ranchers
  • Veterans in agriculture
  • Socially disadvantaged groups

Programs like FOTO (Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach) are designed to expand access and bring new talent into rural economies. These aren’t just subsidies—they’re pipeline builders.

SNAP: More Than a Safety Net

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be one of the most well-known pieces of the Farm Bill. But for 10 states where counties actually administer SNAP, it’s also a critical part of the local infrastructure.

Counties are asking for improvements to make the program easier to run—things like reducing administrative burden, improving benefit access in rural food deserts, and modernizing the systems that support healthy food delivery. These updates would help both the people who rely on SNAP and the counties working hard to serve them.

Barriers to Access: What Counties Want to See Change

For many rural communities, accessing federal funds isn’t just about eligibility—it’s about capacity.

Local leaders are advocating for:

  • Streamlined application processes
  • Simplified reporting requirements
  • Greater flexibility around matching funds
  • More technical support for counties with fewer resources

Without these structural changes, even the best programs can remain out of reach for the very communities they’re meant to serve.

Fueling Rural Business Growth and Energy Projects

The Farm Bill also plays a big role in helping rural businesses modernize, expand, and even go green.

Key programs include:

  • Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – grants and loan guarantees for renewable energy and energy efficiency
  • Value-Added Producer Grants – support for agricultural producers to expand markets and increase product value
  • Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program – zero-interest loans through local utilities for job creation
  • RISE Grants – which can include private-sector partnerships in rural economic strategies

These programs give rural businesses the chance to innovate while staying rooted in their communities.

Looking Ahead: What to Watch in 2025

As Congress continues to negotiate the next Farm Bill, the stakes are high. Will they maintain key programs? Expand access? Streamline delivery?

For many counties—especially those that have historically faced barriers to federal investment—the answers will shape what’s possible for the next five years in terms of infrastructure, job creation, food access, and long-term economic resilience.

Final Thought

The 2025 Farm Bill is more than policy—it’s potential. And it’s up to all of us to ensure that rural communities don’t just get mentioned but get the resources they need to thrive.

How KE Andrews Can Support

At KE Andrews, we believe economic development starts with access—to funding, tools, and trusted partners. While we’re not grant administrators, we work with counties and companies every day to optimize how they plan, invest, and grow. Whether it’s uncovering tax savings or helping you evaluate the impact of new legislation, we’re here to help you stay ahead of what’s next.