Newly introduced federal legislation could expand financing opportunities for first time farmers and small and midsize manufacturers in Ohio and across the country. The Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act would update IRS rules that are nearly 40 years old. According to one of the bill’s sponsors US Senator Sharrod Brown “Ohio farmers and manufacturers are eager to grow and produce more Ohio-made products and food, and we can help them achieve that goal by connecting them with the capital they need to grow.” To find out more log on to Brown, Ernst Introduce Bill To Expand Financing Opportunities For The Next Generation Of Farmers And Small & Mid-Size Manufacturers | Senator Sherrod Brown (senate.gov)
50 businesses across Ohio will receive part of the $266 million in loans and grants being handed out by the US Department of Agriculture. The money will go to agriculture producers and rural small businesses to make investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements to lower their energy costs, generate new income and strengthen the resilience of their operations. The funding is part of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audit & Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants | Rural Development (usda.gov)
A new species of invasive insect has been found in Ohio. It’s the elm zigzag sawfly first found infesting elm trees in Delware and Northern Franklin counties according to Ohio Division of Natural Resources officials. The insect was first found in Ohio in July. New Invasive Tree Pest Discovered in Ohio | Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ohiodnr.gov)