CDFA: Bipartisan Plan Would Support Manufacturers, First-Time Farmers
As the nation prepares to celebrate Manufacturing Day and National Farmer's Day, CDFA is again urging federal policymakers to pass the Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act (MAMBA), which would enact bond financing reform for first-time farmers and smaller manufacturers. In an editorial, CDFA President and CEO Toby Rittner writes that the reforms proposed by MAMBA are especially important to underserved communities, including much of rural America. Rittner calls MAMBA a "smart, bipartisan plan."
$500K Available to Support Rhode Island Food and Seafood Producers
Local food and seafood producers in Rhode Island can now apply for grant funding to support the growth and development of the local food system. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced that nearly $500,000 is available through the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grant program. The program prioritizes supporting beginning and underinvested producers, developing new marketing and distribution channels, and promoting climate-smart agriculture practices.
$7.7B for Climate-Smart Practices on Ag Lands as Part of Investing in America Agenda
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced up to $7.7 billion in assistance for fiscal year 2025 to help agricultural and forestry producers adopt climate-smart conservation practices on working lands. This includes up to $5.7 billion made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, part of President Biden's Investing in America Agenda, and $2 billion from the Farm Bill. The initiative aims to enhance rural resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving environmental health.
Terra Regenerative Capital Launches Fund with Unique Missing Middle Strategy
Terra Regenerative Capital (TRC) has launched its first fund aimed at closing a major gap in the regenerative agricultural system: the often overlooked and underfunded middle supply chain. The Leaders Fund has already invested $2 million in a demonstration portfolio and secured a $10 million anchor investment on its path to a $50 million final close. With a systems-based investment strategy, TRC is poised for catalytic impact.
Black Farmer Fund Raises $20M in Second Fund to Improve Northeast Black Food System
The Black Farmer Fund raised $11 million in September 2023 to support Black-owned agricultural systems through wealth-building opportunities. Since then, the New York-based nonprofit has reached its target goal in a second fund, which will deploy $20 million in capital to improve the Black food system. It will specifically target food businesses in the Northeast region and provide support in the form of low-interest loans and gifts. The intention is for the awarded businesses to enable Black growers to strengthen their presence in the market and gain greater authority in the supply chain.
Washtenaw County, MI Meat Processor to Receive Nearly $4.2M to Expand Facility
Ann Arbor-based Damian's Craft Meats is receiving a nearly $4.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as part of a $35 million investment into 15 independent meat processors in 12 states. Damian's Craft Meats is building a new 23,250-square-foot facility intended to serve local livestock producers, and will also purchase animals from local producers through competitive and transparent pricing.
Shapiro Administration Invests $3.5M to Expand Lancaster County, PA Cookie Company
Governor Josh Shapiro announced the Commonwealth is investing $3.5 million to support the expansion of cookie maker Taylor Chip in Lancaster County. The Pennsylvania-based company's $15.1 million expansion project will include the creation of at least 35 new, full-time jobs and retention of an additional 23 jobs statewide. Taylor Chip will build a new, 25,000-square-foot facility at its existing location, which will allow the company to expand its cookie manufacturing operation and add ice cream production capabilities.
California Energy Commission Awards $23M to Help California Food Processors
The California Energy Commission (CEC) has awarded $22.6 million in grants to help seven food producers in the state reduce energy use and cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The grants are funded through the Food Production Investment Program (FPIP), which is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that uses cap-and-trade dollars to help reduce GHG emissions, strengthen the economy, and improve public health and the environment.
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