The Rio Grande Colonias USDA Regional Food Business Center is now open to clients, inviting small and mid-sized food businesses in Texas and New Mexico to apply for financial and technical assistance to expand their market reach.
Grants are available for not only farms, but any business within the food supply chain – from storage to packaging to distribution to retail.
Funding should be used for post-harvest activities, “not so much seeds in the ground or tractors or fencing for livestock, but more for marketing, opportunities to move products, product development,” said Valerie Venecia, program director for the Rio Grande Colonias USDA Regional Food Business Center.
“One of the big gaps in the food supply chain we see here is the lack of infrastructure,” Venecia said. “It’s hard for food businesses to make it to the next level from home cottage business to retail establishment or big box store. We’re trying to bridge the gap.”
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by elpasomatters