The U.S. Department of Agriculture's recent announcement of $400 million to build food business centers will be the start of supply chain centers nationwide, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a news release.

The funds will be spent on local and regional food systems coordination, technical assistance and capacity building through USDA's new Regional Food Business Centers, according to USDA's news release issued Sept. 7.

"The USDA Regional Food Business Centers will be a new, critical asset as we continue our work to strengthen and enhance local and regional food systems across the nation,” Vilsack said. "Regional Food Business Centers will serve as USDA's cornerstone in the development of the local and regional supply chains, building on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing technical assistance and creating new market opportunities in areas where the need is greatest."

Agriculture undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. | Wikipedia - U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Connecticut)

The USDA plans to fund at least six regional centers, including a national tribal center and at least one center to serve three targeted areas. Those areas are Colonias for counties on the U.S./Mexican border, the Mississippi Delta and the U.S. Southeast in areas of persistent poverty and where there is high need but limited resources, and high-need areas in Appalachia.

Regional Food Business Centers are planned to provide coordination, technical assistance and capacity building with an eye toward helping farmers, ranchers and other food producers and businesses access new markets and navigate federal, state and local resources. The intent is to close "gaps or barriers to success," the news release said. 

"The Regional Food Business Centers will assist small and mid-sized producers and food and farm businesses with the goal of creating a more resilient, diverse and competitive food system," the news release said.

Plans for the Regional Food Business Centers are particularly aimed at underserved communities.

"USDA is committed to supporting smaller producers, processors and distributors to diversify economic opportunities in underserved communities," said USDA undersecretary for marketing and for regulatory programs Jenny Lester Moffitt in the news release. "The USDA Regional Food Business Centers will decrease barriers and improve supply chain linkages for producers, processors and distributors and strengthen regional food systems networks and partnerships in response to hardships and vulnerabilities exposed by recent national emergencies, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic."

Those who want to apply have until 11:59 p.m. EST Nov. 22. They can do so on the federal grants website, though applications for USDA's Regional Food Business Centers has not yet been set up. While they wait, applicants can visit the "How to Apply" webpage on USDA's website.