The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has announced its participation as a key partner in a national initiative aimed at assisting farmers and food businesses in accessing new markets and essential resources. The initiative, funded with $30 million from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), will establish a Regional Food Business Center in the Northeast, serving multiple states including New York. Collaborating partners in this endeavor include the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation, Buffalo Go Green, and Cornell University's Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA).
The Regional Food Business Center will provide targeted support to farmers and food businesses, facilitating access to federal, state, and local resources such as technical assistance and funding opportunities. With a focus on enhancing the resilience of the food supply chain and strengthening regional supply chains, the center aims to expand agricultural production and processing, encourage the development of food hubs, promote regional product growth, and foster innovation within the food industry.
Notably, the initiative emphasizes inclusivity and outreach to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities within the agricultural sector. By prioritizing outreach and support to historically underinvested communities, the Regional Food Business Center aims to ensure equitable access to resources and promote diversity within the industry.
The establishment of 12 Regional Food Business Centers nationwide is part of USDA's broader efforts to invest $400 million in advancing regional food systems. These centers will play a crucial role in fostering economic growth, supporting entrepreneurial ventures, and bolstering sustainability within the agricultural sector.
In the coming year, the Northeast Regional Food Business Center will commence its operations, reaching out to stakeholders and announcing the availability of funding and technical assistance resources. Through collaboration and a shared vision of a strengthened regional food system, this initiative led by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, in partnership with NASDA, CREA, and Buffalo Go Green, aims to create a more resilient and inclusive agricultural landscape for the benefit of farmers, food businesses, and communities across the Northeast.
Photo Credit: Regional Food Business Centers
Categories: New York, Business, Government & Policy