Faso Highlights USDA Grant for Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation
Washington, D.C. – Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook), today highlighted an award made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Local Food Promotion Program to the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC).
HVADC will receive a $70,000 award combined with over $23,000 in matching funds to develop a community food hub that will support small businesses through a kitchen, distribution of produce, and food business incubation. Congressman Faso sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue, highlighting the importance of this project to the City of Hudson and the farmers of Columbia County. A copy of the letter can be found here.
“Investment in our local farms and the businesses that help move agricultural products to market is essential for a strong Upstate economy”, said Faso. “This funding will help create new business opportunities for local farmers who are in the middle of a five-year, 50 percent collapse in the ag economy.”
“The USDA LFPP award creates the opportunity to not only support farmers in the Hudson Valley, but the also the community in which we operate, which is significantly important to HVADC. We have seen the positive growth of the farm-to-table movement here, but there are still gaps in serving portions of our population, this award will address creating new channels of access.” said Todd Erling, Executive Director of Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC). “As part of our mission, HVADC promotes holistic, balanced, market-based solutions that lead to enhanced agricultural entrepreneurship, rural economic growth, food security and community enhancement. Developing the Community Food Hub will benefit local underserved residents new access to wholesome, local products, help the county’s food entrepreneurs open a viable and readily accepting market, create jobs, foster the development of additional food producers, and will ultimately enhance the entire dynamic of the Hudson Valley Region.”
Background (as provided by USDA):
Local Food Promotion Program
- The Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) offers grant funds with a 25% match to support the development and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises to increase domestic consumption of, and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets.
