USDA Partners with Pennsylvania to Award More Than $24 Million to Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure
USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has entered a cooperative agreement with Pennsylvania to offer over $24 million in grant funding for projects to strengthen the supply chain. Under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, Pennsylvania is accepting applications for infrastructure grants until March 30, 2024. The funding will support projects that increase capacity and resilience in the middle of the supply chain, benefit historically underserved farmers, enhance worker safety and training, and promote localized food systems. The partnership aims to create new opportunities for small and midsize producers and increase supply chain resiliency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of the USDA's partnership with Pennsylvania?
The USDA partnership with Pennsylvania is aimed at strengthening food supply chain infrastructure, with more than $24 million awarded for this purpose. This investment seeks to enhance the resilience and capacity of the food supply system within the state.
2. How much money is being awarded to Pennsylvania by the USDA?
The USDA has partnered with Pennsylvania to award more than $26 million. There appears to be a discrepancy in the exact figures across different sources, as some mention more than $24 million while others specify more than $26 million.
3. What is the source of the funding for this initiative?
The funding for this initiative comes from cooperative agreements under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) and potentially other budgetary allocations from the Biden-Harris administration aimed at strengthening domestic food supply chains.
4. Will there be any site visits from USDA officials regarding this partnership?
Yes, Secretary Vilsack has visited sites associated with the partnership, presumably to oversee and support the progress of the infrastructure development projects.
5. Who will benefit from this funding and how?
Grant funding will benefit projects that are designed to strengthen Pennsylvania's food supply chain infrastructure. These funds may be used for expansion, equipment purchases, and improving food and worker safety among small businesses and other operations within the food supply chain.
6. Are there any specific sectors or projects that will be targeted with these funds?
While the exact sectors or projects targeted have not been detailed in the information provided, it's likely that a range of initiatives across Pennsylvania's agriculture and food production industries will be targeted to enhance the overall resilience and capacity of the supply chain.
7. Is this initiative part of a larger federal strategy?
Yes, this partnership between the USDA and Pennsylvania aligns with broader federal efforts to revitalize American manufacturing and secure critical supply chains as part of the Biden-Harris administration's plans unveiled in past briefings and fact sheets.
For additional details on this topic, you should refer directly to the articles and press releases from the USDA, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, or related government briefings as the source material for this FAQ.