The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the state of Pennsylvania are set to allocate over $24 million to bolster the state's food supply chain infrastructure. The announcement was made during the 108th annual Pennsylvania Farm Show, an event that underscores the burgeoning market opportunities for food producers.
"At USDA, we recognize food businesses in the middle of the supply chain are essential to ensuring producers can get their product from the field to market and Americans have sustainable access to fresh, quality agricultural products," stated Secretary Vilsack. "Pennsylvania’s investments through USDA’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program will support these businesses by building stronger infrastructure which will contribute to a thriving agricultural economy within the state."
According to a press release by the USDA, this partnership has been established under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). The objective of this funding is to fortify the middle of the supply chain. As much as $420 million was made available through RFSI in May 2023 with an aim to reinforce regional food systems and stabilize food and produce supply chains. Moreover, this funding seeks to motivate small and mid-sized farms to provide more food through the supply chain as it reduces risk for farmers.
In addition to making $420 million available in funding, 12 USDA Regional Food Business Centers were established. These centers aim at providing national coverage coordination and additional capacity to assist food businesses in tapping into new markets, thereby expanding their business outreach.
"The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grant program is a crucial investment in Pennsylvania's agricultural infrastructure, fortifying our commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience in the face of evolving challenges," said Secretary Russell Redding. "This funding empowers our farmers, bolsters rural and urban communities, and charts a path toward a more robust and efficient agricultural landscape for generations to come, building from the strong investments we have made through the PA Farm Bill and other state initiatives."
