USDA Announces Food System Transformation Framework
Greetings!
On behalf of U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, I want to invite you to attend our upcoming livestream on USDA’s framework for shoring up the food supply chain and transforming the food system to be fairer, more competitive, and more resilient.
The livestream – entitled “The U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Food System Transformation Framework” – will be Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. ET and you can use usda.gov/live to join at that time. Please note that this is not a reservation link but will become a live link at the start of webinar.
Thank you for your partnership and support as USDA continues its efforts to create more and better markets that will benefit both producers and consumers, as well as addressing longstanding issues intensified by the pandemic. We look forward to you joining us.
More Resources for Food Supply
- USDA Rural Development is making $200 million available through the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP). USDA will provide grants of up to $15 million to nonprofit lenders, including private nonprofits, cooperatives, public agencies and tribal entities. These intermediaries will use this funding to establish a revolving loan fund (RLF) to finance a variety of activities related to meat and poultry processing. For example, businesses may use the loans to acquire land, build or expand facilities and modernize equipment.
- When loans are repaid, intermediaries can make additional loans to support activities throughout the middle of the food supply chain. This funding can help businesses aggregate, process, manufacture, store, transport, wholesale and distribute food.
- The design of MPILP was informed by the other active programs that are part of the Biden Administration’s Action Plan to Build a Fairer, More Competitive, and More Resilient Meat and Poultry Supply Chain.
- Grants are available through two application cycles. USDA is making available $75 million through the first application period. All application materials can be found at www.rd.usda.gov/mpilp or at www.Grants.gov.
- Applications for the first round of funding must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on July 25, 2022, through www.Grants.gov.
- USDA will announce the application period for the remaining $125 million in the coming months.
- The Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program guarantees loans made through eligible traditional lending institutions of up to $40 million to finance food systems projects, specifically for the start-up or expansion of activities in the middle of the food supply chain.
- Rural entrepreneurs now have access to a resource guide that features information on how to use USDA and other Federal programs to access financing and other assistance to help start and expand their businesses. It includes tools to help them:
- expand their access to capital to create small business incubators.
- create value-added agricultural products.
- access high-speed internet to connect their businesses to national and global markets.
- cut energy costs.
- access health care resources to enhance the quality of life for their employees.
- access workforce development and training opportunities to improve their skills, products and services, and more.
For questions on USDA programming in support of rural entrepreneurs, businesses and ag producers, visit the Minnesota Office Directory to search for your nearest USDA Rural Development expert.
To receive notifications about USDA Rural Development in Minnesota, subscribe to our GovDelivery service.
|
