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Rural Information Center

The Rural Information Center (RIC) provides services for rural communities, local officials, organizations, businesses and rural citizens working to maintain the vitality of America's rural areas.

Snow Scene with Mountain: USDA, NRCS Photo

Enjoy Rural America this Season

Use this resource to explore rural areas through outdoor recreation, fairs and festivals, farmer markets, local cultural heritage or Main Street shopping.

Two baskets of red apples at a farmers market. (iStock)

Small Farm Funding Resources Online Guide

Looking for help in locating funding programs and technical assistance with your small farm or ranch? Then this online guide is for you.

Blue puzzle with text "Community" on it. (iStock)

Rural Community Development Resources

Identify development ideas, tools, funding and other resources for your rural community here.

Man, woman and child standing on front porch of home. (iStock)

Rural Housing Resources

Find funding and technical assistance to help you with your housing needs.

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February 05, 2017 to February 08, 2017
Sponsor:
NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association
San Diego, CA USA
February 23, 2017 to February 24, 2017
Sponsor:
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of the Chief Economist
Indicate Ag Outlook when emailing
Arlington, VA USA

With a large variety of topics for rural areas available, maintaining detailed information on all aspects of rural life is not practical. For additional help in identifying rural information, please consult the following resources:

  • Just want to browse? See our Search option at the top of the page
  • Funding for your rural project (examples:fire and police departments, rural health clinics, and broadband opportunities), see our Funding Resources page.
  • Information about services in rural areas, see our Rural Citizens Services page for business, education, health and housing information.

*Please note that we do not provide funding, but we can assist in identifying public and private entities that do provide funding opportunities.

Still need help?

  • Ask a Question through our email ric@ars.usda.gov
  • RIC Toll-Free number: 800-633-7701