RC&D is a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that was authorized by the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962. The purpose of the RC&D program is "to accelerate the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources to improve the general level of economic activity, and to enhance the environment and standard of living in authorized RC&D areas."
The RC&D program assists rural residents to improve social, economic, and environmental conditions in their communities.
The RC&D program helps to fulfill and address the extensive and diverse needs of rural development and the needs and concerns of citizens at the local level. RC&D areas are locally organized, sponsored and led by a council that provides direction and creates an annual plan from the local needs. RC&D's cooperate and partner with federal, state, local, and private agencies. The USDA provides technical and financial assistance.
