USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service awarded over $33.5 million to strengthen local food systems. Over 100 grant projects received the funding. That includes $500,000 for Dakota Angus at Drake, North Dakota to add a value-added farm-to-consumer beef program. Three projects in Minnesota received federal grants. That includes The Good Acre in St. Paul to build opportunities for small-scale, racially diverse produce farmers, receiving over $498,000. The Good Group Minnesota at New Hope was awarded nearly $400,000 to establish an affordable grocery program for underserved local farmers, including farmers of color. Over $305,000 is being provided to the Land Stewardship Project in Minneapolis to build a community-led local food system in west-central Minnesota.
