Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small made the announcement in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as part of the administration’s commitment to fostering economic opportunities and resilient communities across the nation.
The Biden administration unveiled a set of initiatives aimed at enhancing market access for producers, boosting revenue streams, and promoting healthier food choices
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) disclosed plans to establish 17 new Urban Service Centers and ten urban county committees, with approximately $10.7 million allocated for investments in the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Program. Moreover, the Biden administration is expanding the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, providing around $30 million in funding for the new Local and Regional Healthy Food Financing Partnerships Initiative.
“The Biden administration is determined to bolster urban communities through increased market opportunities, stronger food systems, and investments in urban agricultural operations,” stated Secretary Vilsack. He emphasized that these measures would enable families and farmers to access healthier locally grown foods.
The initiatives are part of the Biden administration’s overarching strategy called “Investing in America,” designed to create transformative economic opportunities for families and businesses nationwide. They also align with the administration’s National Strategy on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.
Deputy Secretary Torres Small emphasized the importance of ensuring families’ access to healthy, locally grown food regardless of their location and enabling farmers to thrive by accessing profitable markets.
To support urban farmers, USDA is establishing 17 Urban Service Centers staffed by Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) employees
Additionally, the agency is establishing ten new urban county committees to aid in the local administration of FSA programs. To strengthen these initiatives, the USDA is investing $40 million in partnerships with community-based organizations, including providing outreach, education, and technical assistance to establish a customer base for the Urban Service Centers.
Furthermore, the USDA has allocated $10.7 million for 103 projects under the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program, benefitting 1.2 million children across 40 states and Guam. The Biden administration program aims to provide nutritious food options while supporting local farmers and marginalized communities.
These investments complement other efforts made by the Biden administration to support urban agriculture and food systems, such as funding for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production grants and Composting and Food Waste Reduction cooperative agreements.
The Biden Administration is dedicated to transforming America’s food system, promoting local and regional food production, expanding access to nutritious food, and investing in infrastructure and clean-energy capabilities in rural areas. The administration is also committed to removing systemic barriers and ensuring a more diverse and equitable workforce across the Department of Agriculture.
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