The USDA announced it will spend $400 million to create regional food business centers in an effort to strengthen local and regional food systems.
The centers will be geographically based, serving regional needs around the counties on or near the Mexican border, high-poverty areas across the Delta, and high-need areas of Appalachia.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the centers will provide coordination and technical assistance to help farmers, ranchers, and other producers navigate the markets and make full use of resources.
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