Submitted photo: Over several years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding nearly $400 million to newly established regional food hubs, where underserved farmers and food companies can get help getting their products to a larger market. Photo by Adobe Stock.
Have you ever ordered a hamburger at a restaurant and wondered where the ingredients came from? Farmers in North Dakota and surrounding states are turning to a new federal program to ensure that ingredients come from their farms.
Partners from the Regional Food Business Center for the North Central States recently met in Fargo to help small and medium-sized food and agriculture businesses leverage government resources. The virtual center is one of 12 centers across the country that the USDA announced last year.
Jenny Lester Moffitt, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), said some of the initial funding went to Square One Commercial Kitchen in North Dakota, a rental property for culinary startups.
“Anyone who makes jam cannot afford a large kitchen if they only work alone,” said Moffitt. “A lot of people come together and say, ‘We need a space where we can make our product that meets the various food safety requirements and has the equipment we need.'”
Another example is a family-run farm in North Dakota that specializes in pastured poultry that is receiving funding to expand its wildflower honey operation. The USDA has been criticized for how it awards funds under separate initiatives, with the money going to large operations. However, Moffitt noted that requirements built into this program allow the Department of Agriculture to focus on underserved farmers and operations.
Moffitt said it’s about more than just handing out funds and helping these agricultural and food businesses apply for more grants. She stressed that marketing expertise is another component to help establishments like restaurants and hospitals have more choices when purchasing food in bulk.
“It is an option for farmers and producers to have more places where they can sell their products,” said Moffitt. “But it’s also about choice for buyers.”
Ultimately, officials said, building a more resilient and diversified food system benefits consumers, who may not feel the squeeze as much during future market disruptions. The North Central Food Hub includes North and South Dakota, as well as Minnesota. In its first year, more than $600,000 was awarded to local recipients, with much higher demand for applications.
