The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an investment of over $40 million to establish the Appalachian Regional Food Business Center (RFBC) in Ohio. The center will be developed in partnership with Rural Action Inc., a non-profit organization based in The Plains, Ohio. Its goal is to strengthen local and regional food systems, providing more opportunities for Ohio farmers and producers to sell their products in their communities and keep more of their profits in the region.
The Appalachian RFBC will facilitate the connection of Ohio farmers and producers to wholesalers and distributors, enhancing the local economy and promoting sustainable economic development in the region. The USDA's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program will create new and expanded local market opportunities, providing small and mid-sized farming operations with new market opportunities and improving farm income.
Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the funding during a media conference call. Brown has been a champion of small farms and local and regional food systems for Ohio's rural communities. Rural Action will use the USDA funding to invest in local farmers, ranchers, and food entrepreneurs; expand training and technical assistance resources; build and expand on markets in the Appalachian region; and coordinate with other Regional Food Business Centers to promote cross-regional support and market development.
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Categories: Ohio, General, Government & Policy