To bolster its commitment to expanding market opportunities for small and mid-sized producers - USDA has unveiled the first Regional Food Hub Resource Guide. Deputy Ag Secretary Kathleen Merrigan says food hubs play a critical role in developing stronger supply chains and addressing the infrastructure challenges while supporting food access, regional economic development and job creation. She says the guide is an important tool. It’s an extensive collection of information and resources - providing background on everything needed to develop or participate in a regional food hub.
The Food Hub Resource Guide also highlights the economic contributions food hubs make to local communities and outlines funding opportunities, support resources, best practices, strategies to address challenges and more. Merrigan says it’s the most comprehensive handbook on food hubs ever available. She says farmers, buyers, researchers, consumers and anyone else interested in creating a food hub in their own community can tap this one resource to find the information they need.
Food hubs are businesses or organizations that connect producers with buyers by offering a suite of production, distribution, and marketing services. |