“Get ready to savor the future of the Northeast’s food scene: the Department of Agriculture and Markets has launched a groundbreaking funding opportunity that could spell success for the region’s small-and mid-sized farm and food businesses. As the Northeast grapples with an increasingly complex food landscape, a new partnership is poised to give a much-needed boost to the very businesses that are driving innovation, sustainability, and economic growth. In this special report, we explore the exciting news that the Department of Agriculture and Markets is offering a $10 million funding opportunity to support the development of cutting-edge farm and food businesses, providing a vital lifeline to these crucial players in the region’s food ecosystem.”
Regional Impact and Partnerships
The partnership between the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Northeast Regional Food Business Center (NERFBC) is a prime example of collaboration between state departments of agriculture and regional organizations. This partnership aims to support small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses, including aquaculture and wild-caught marine businesses, through the Business Builder program. The program is funded by a $10 million grant, which will be disbursed through three specialized funding tracks: Equipment Acquisition, Business Development, and Product and Market Expansion.
The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation has also provided support for this initiative, highlighting the importance of regional partnerships in strengthening the food supply chain. Buffalo Go Green and Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) are also key partners in this initiative, providing additional resources and expertise to support the growth of small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses.
Benefits for Local Communities and the Regional Food System
The Business Builder program is expected to have a significant impact on local communities and the regional food system. By providing funding and resources to small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses, the program aims to strengthen the regional food supply chain and support local economies. This, in turn, is expected to lead to increased access to healthy and fresh food options for local communities, as well as the creation of new jobs and economic opportunities.
According to State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, “This additional funding as part of the Northeast Regional Food Business Center initiative will help our small-and medium-size farms and businesses grow their operations while impacting the overall food supply chain.” This statement highlights the importance of supporting small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses in order to strengthen the regional food system.
Analysis and Implications
The Business Builder program is expected to have a significant impact on the regional food supply chain and local economies. By providing funding and resources to small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses, the program aims to strengthen the regional food supply chain and support local economies. This, in turn, is expected to lead to increased access to healthy and fresh food options for local communities, as well as the creation of new jobs and economic opportunities.
Strengthening the Regional Food Supply Chain and Supporting Local Economies
The Business Builder program is designed to support small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses in scaling their operations, expanding markets, and strengthening the regional food supply chain. This is expected to lead to increased efficiency and productivity in the food supply chain, as well as the creation of new jobs and economic opportunities. According to Jenn Smith, Director of Food and Ag Innovation for Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement, “Direct financial support for farms and food businesses compliments the business and technical resources the Center provides to help them grow and thrive.”
The program is also expected to have a positive impact on local economies. By supporting small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses, the program aims to increase local food production and sales, which is expected to lead to increased economic activity and job creation. Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding noted that “Pennsylvania’s prime location near four of the 10 largest U.S. markets, coupled with our outstanding transportation infrastructure gives our agriculture businesses an edge, with access to the customers and markets they need to reach.”
Addressing the Needs of Historically Underinvested Producers and Food Business Owners
The Business Builder program is also designed to address the needs of historically underinvested producers and food business owners. The program provides funding and resources to support the growth and development of these businesses, which is expected to lead to increased access to healthy and fresh food options for local communities. According to Buffalo Go Green CEO Allison DeHonney, “Buffalo Go Green is a farming and food organization on the front line of providing access to healthy food options in our local community. As a community-based organization, we know firsthand what funding opportunities like Business Builder can mean for small to mid-sized businesses and organizations.”
Practical Aspects and Next Steps
The Business Builder program is now open for applications, with a deadline of April 7. Awardees will be announced in July, and funded projects will begin in August. To support prospective applicants, the Center has published a pre-recorded webinar and will host live informational webinars on March 19 and March 27 to answer technical questions and provide guidance on the application process.
Application Process and Deadline
Applications for the Business Builder program are now open and can be submitted through the Northeast Regional Food Business Center website. The deadline for applications is April 7, and awardees will be announced in July. Funded projects will begin in August, and the Center will provide ongoing support and resources to awardees throughout the project period.
To be eligible for funding, applicants must be small- or mid-sized farm or food businesses, including aquaculture and wild-caught marine businesses. Applicants must also demonstrate a clear plan for scaling their operations, expanding markets, and strengthening the regional food supply chain. A list of eligible businesses and projects can be found on the Northeast Regional Food Business Center website.
Project Implementation and Funding Disbursement
Funded projects will be implemented over a period of several months, with the exact timeline depending on the specific project and funding track. The Center will provide ongoing support and resources to awardees throughout the project period, including technical assistance, business planning, and market development.
Funding will be disbursed to awardees in accordance with the terms of the grant agreement. Awardees will be required to submit regular progress reports and financial statements to the Center, and will be subject to regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure that project goals and objectives are being met.
Ongoing Support and Resources for Awardees and the Regional Food Business Community
The Center will provide ongoing support and resources to awardees throughout the project period, including technical assistance, business planning, and market development. The Center will also provide resources and support to the broader regional food business community, including workshops, webinars, and networking events.
According to State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, “The Northeast Regional Food Business Center is a valuable resource for our small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses, and we are excited to see the impact that this funding will have on the regional food system.” The Center’s resources and support will be available to all small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses in the region, regardless of whether they receive funding through the Business Builder program.
- Equipment Acquisition: Supports the purchase of specialized post-harvest equipment, such as wash-and-pack stations, refrigerated vans, cold storage units, and food safety upgrades.
- Business Development: Provides funding for business planning, financial guidance, supply chain analysis, food safety training, workforce development, and strategy development.
- Product and Market Expansion: Assists businesses in expanding through new product development, market analysis, packaging supplies, kitchen appliances, and software implementation.
Conclusion
As the Department of Agriculture and Markets (DAM) and the Northeast Regional Food Business Center (NERFBC) collaborate to launch a $10 million funding opportunity, the agricultural landscape in the region is poised for a significant transformation. The partnership aims to provide critical financial support to small- and mid-sized farm and food businesses, fostering innovation, growth, and competitiveness in the industry. By doing so, the DAM and NERFBC seek to address the pressing needs of the agricultural sector, including access to capital, market development, and regulatory support.
This initiative has far-reaching implications, not only for the local economy but also for the nation’s food security. As the demand for fresh, locally produced food continues to rise, small- and mid-sized farms and food businesses play a vital role in meeting this demand. By investing in these businesses, the DAM and NERFBC are helping to ensure that consumers have access to nutritious, high-quality food while also supporting the growth of a thriving agricultural industry. This partnership also sets a precedent for collaborative efforts between government agencies and regional food business centers, highlighting the potential for innovative solutions to complex agricultural challenges.
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, it is essential that we prioritize initiatives that support the growth and resilience of small- and mid-sized farms and food businesses. With the $10 million funding opportunity, the DAM and NERFBC are taking a crucial step towards creating a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous food system. As we look to the future, one thing is clear: the future of agriculture depends on the ability of small- and mid-sized farms and food businesses to thrive, and this partnership is a beacon of hope for a brighter, more sustainable food future.