By Scout Nelson
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith have introduced a federal initiative to strengthen Minnesota's food supply chain, aiming to increase market access for small farms and businesses, and provide consumers with locally sourced products at lower prices, funded by the American Rescue Plan.
Klobuchar highlighted the importance of resilient food supply chains for maintaining low grocery store prices, emphasizing the role of these grants in bolstering farm-to-table infrastructure, helping farmers penetrate new markets, and offering local food businesses vital technical training.
Echoing this sentiment, Smith pointed out the critical vulnerabilities within the current food supply chain, underlining the necessity for its long-term fortification. She noted that the funding would not only strengthen the supply system but also open new and improved markets for Minnesota's farmers and beyond.
Part of broader efforts by the Biden Administration to enhance agricultural processing capacity and market competitiveness, this funding facilitates a four-year partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture.
The collaboration aims to improve the efficiency of the food supply chain's middle segment, enhancing the ability of producers to sell their products, upgrading the operational infrastructure for food businesses, and increasing the availability of locally grown food in Minnesota.
The initiative will support a wide range of activities, from compiling and processing to storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distributing regionally produced foods. It will offer business development services to Minnesota-based companies, further contributing to the state’s agricultural and economic resilience.
Photo Credit - pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Minnesota, Government & Policy