USDA Shuts Down Regional Food Business Centers: Impact and What It Means for Local Food Entrepreneurs

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins recently announced the end of the Regional Food Business Centers Program. This USDA initiative started during the pandemic to strengthen local food systems under the Biden Administration. The shift underscores new strategies for supporting regional agriculture.

Originally, the program aimed to help farmers and food businesses improve their supply chains, access new markets, and increase competitiveness. Unfortunately, operational challenges hindered success. Only eight of the twelve centers managed to distribute Business Builder grants before the program’s closure.

Secretary Rollins voiced concerns about the program’s sustainability, stating, “The Biden Administration created multiple, massive programs without any long-term way to finance them. This is not sustainable for farmers who rely on these programs.”

Despite the termination, the USDA will uphold commitments made to over 450 existing grants. This ensures that projects in progress can continue without disruption. Grant management for centers with existing awards can extend until May 2026.

The centers affected by this decision include:

• Great Lakes Midwest Center
• Delta Region Center
• Islands and Remote Areas Center
• Southeast Rural Food Business Center

Funds from the program will be redirected to better support American agriculture.

This change brings attention to broader issues regarding agricultural funding. Recent data shows that more than 30% of U.S. farmers rely on government programs for their income. Experts stress that sustainable agricultural policies are crucial for food security.

As we look to the future, the agricultural community hopes for new initiatives that prioritize long-term support and resilience. For now, it’s a reminder of how quickly policies can shift and the impact such changes have on local farmers.

For more information on USDA initiatives, visit the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

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Regional Food Business Centers Program