The farm bill is not just for subsidizing farmers, but also empowering the rural economy, and communities should seize the opportunity, said Congressman Gil Gutknecht during an economic development meeting held at the Elks Club in Albert Lea Wednesday.

Gutknecht toured southern Minnesota with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Steve Wenzel.

The farm bill allocates $13 billion out of its $173 billion total expenditure for rural development.

According to Wenzel, the programs aim to provide grants and loans for businesses, housing development and utility installation. There is also a program that would provide a special federal stimulus package to rural areas that suffer from long-term depression.

The possibility is wide open. Thirty-three Minnesota communities have already applied for grants since the budget was appropriated in May by President Bush.

&uot;A big part of our job would be getting out of the office in St. Paul, and at least let people know how many of these programs are available,&uot; Wenzel said.

Gutknecht, who took part in crafting the farm bill as a House Agriculture Committee member, also encouraged small cities to be prepared to seize the opportunities.

&uot;We are not in the business of just giving away money,&uot; Gutknecht said. &uot;But, it is true that there is money available for a broad context. And with a little bit of work on your part, a little bit on the part of my staff and a lot of work on his (the USDA) part, we can do that.&uot;