USDA Awards Over $270 Million to Strengthen U.S. Food Supply Chain and Local Systems

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken a significant step towards fortifying the American food supply chain and enhancing regional food systems.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on February 7 that the USDA has allocated over $270 million to bolster resilience across the middle of the nation’s food supply chain.

This substantial investment targets seven states—Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, Louisiana, Utah, and West Virginia. The funds will support projects aimed at expanding the capacity for processing, manufacturing, storage, and distribution of various food products through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program. Notably, this includes support for dairy, aquaculture, grains, specialty crops, and more, excluding meat or poultry sectors.

Kentucky emerges as a focal point of this initiative, securing the highest funding allocation among the designated states, amounting to $8.6 million, with $7 million earmarked specifically for Infrastructure Grants.

Secretary Vilsack highlighted the transformative impact of these investments on consumers, producers, and rural communities alike. By ensuring reliable access to fresh and locally sourced food, the initiative aims to create diverse market opportunities for small and mid-size producers while fostering economic growth in rural areas.

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program, administered by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS), serves as the vehicle for distributing the allocated funds. Secretary Vilsack emphasized the importance of strong partnerships with state agricultural agencies in facilitating these initiatives.

With $230 million currently available in Infrastructure Grant funding, the USDA’s proactive approach underscores its commitment to strengthening the nation’s food supply chain and bolstering local food systems to meet the evolving needs of consumers and producers across the United States.