The U.S. Department of Agriculture is injecting millions of dollars into agricultural producers and food-related businesses across the country. This investment, announced by Secretary Tom Vilsack, aims to bolster local and regional food systems, leading to job creation, price stabilization, and improved access to nutritious food.

During a visit to the Fresh Start Market in Manchester, New Hampshire, Vilsack highlighted the significance of these investments. The market, which features fresh produce and other goods from immigrant farmers, serves as an example of the type of enterprise the USDA seeks to support. Vilsack emphasized that the $320 million in grants and loans will strengthen the food supply chain, increase resilience, and create opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.

Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig echoed Vilsack's sentiments, praising the partnership with the USDA and its contribution to addressing food insecurity and promoting healthy food options within the city.

One notable recipient of the funding is North Country Growers in New Hampshire. They've secured a $19.9 million loan to construct a 20-acre hydroponic greenhouse for year-round lettuce and leafy green production. This project has the potential to yield 30 million heads of lettuce annually, supplying local grocers, restaurants, and distributors throughout the Northeast, while also creating 84 jobs.

Other beneficiaries include a meat market, a bison processing facility, a berry processor, a plant-based yogurt manufacturer, and a cold storage facility. These investments will allow these businesses to expand their production capabilities and offer more sustainable choices to consumers.

Vilsack underscored the economic advantages of bolstering market opportunities for small and mid-sized producers. Increased competition within these markets can lead to more stable and potentially lower prices for consumers. Furthermore, establishing local and regional food systems reduces the costs associated with transporting food, contributing to overall affordability.