WASHINGTON, D.C. (NAFB) – President Joe Biden’s initial USDA budget proposal for next fiscal year stresses rural broadband, waterways, clean energy and food security.

At nearly $28 (B) billion, Biden’s fiscal year 2022 USDA spending is a 16-percent boost or almost four billion more than this year. There’s also $1 billion for feeding programs, and more for March stimulus programs and toward programs in the Biden infrastructure package.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack told last month’s Agri-Pulse forum, infrastructure goes beyond ‘gray’ projects, into green ones.

Rural clean energy development, including possible carbon credits, will get a $1.4 billion boost.

And producers will also benefit if more is spent on feeding programs.

The president’s early budget blueprint would also set up an equity commission to review farm programs and increase funding for USDA civil rights enforcement.