The Biden-Harris administration announced their partnership with agricultural producers to strengthen markets and create Jobs for producers in 19 states.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced investments worth $320 million in 19 states across rural America, according to a June 15 news release. These investments aim to create new and improved markets for agricultural producers and food businesses, strengthening food supply chains and providing more opportunities for entrepreneurs.
“The Biden-Harris administration and USDA are standing up for America’s farmers and ranchers by expanding processing capacity, creating fairer markets, more revenue streams and market opportunities which help bring down food costs for families at the grocery store," Vilsack said in the release. "We are partnering with entrepreneurs in rural areas to build brighter futures, connect business owners to new markets and create good jobs for generations to come.
In different regions, the investments will have distinct impacts, the release reported. In the Midwest, family-owned businesses, including a meat market and a bison processing facility, will expand production capabilities, ensure quality control and save jobs. The Northeast will see an innovative greenhouse facility growing salad greens year-round in a hydroponic environment.
In the South, food supply chain businesses, such as a berry processor, will expand production capacity, according to the release. Meanwhile, in the West, a plant-based yogurt manufacturer and a cold storage facility will enhance supply chain resilience and offer sustainable options for consumers.
USDA and the Biden-Harris dministration are facilitating these investments through four programs: the Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan program, Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program, Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program and Rural and Economic Development Loan and Grant Program, the release said. These initiatives aim to create economic opportunities, diversify and strengthen the U.S. food supply chain and enhance rural economic health by improving access to business capital.
"These investments reflect the goals of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to rebuild our economy from the bottom up and middle out and make our communities more resilient,” Vilsack said in the release.
