View as a webpage? /? Share [ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]

Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources


*For Immediate Release*
July22, 2024

*Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Partners with Northeast Regional Food Business Center to Launch Funding Opportunity for Technical Assistance Providers*

*Augusta*? The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) is pleased to partner with the Northeast Regional Food Business Center [ [link removed] ] to announce the launch of the first round of funding for technical assistance providers, aimed at bolstering the capacity and economic potential of local and regional food systems across Maine and the Northeast. Funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture?s Agricultural Marketing Service [ [link removed] ], the Northeast Regional Food Business Center is part of a nationwide initiative to strengthen food supply chains while supporting historically underserved producers and food business owners.

The Center will allocate resources in the first round of funding to providers who provide direct business technical assistance and training to small- and mid-sized food and agricultural businesses. The Center will also offer awards to organizations focusing on regional network development and partnership building among technical assistance providers. The deadline to apply for funding is August 23, and sub-awardees will be announced in early October.

Interested applicants must register and submit applications through the Northeast Regional Food Business Award application portal at nerfbc.fluxx.io [ [link removed] ]. Applications should address the project priorities and guidelines outlined in the Request for Applications.

"By providing needed technical assistance and training to small and mid-sized food and agricultural businesses, it will enhance their economic potential and support the sustainability and resilience of Maine?s food supply chain,? *said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal*. ?Eligible organizations should apply for this funding opportunity to help build a more robust and equitable food system across the Northeast."

For more information about the first round of sub-awards for technical assistance providers, contact [email protected]. Throughout the open application period, there will be opportunities to connect directly with the Northeast Regional Food Business Center, including a pre-recorded webinar launched today and three informational webinars on July 30, August 7, and August 15.

The Northeast Regional Food Business Center serves 11 Northeast states and the District of Columbia. It was established along with 11 centers around the country in response to gaps in food supply chains that were identified or exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Center is led through a collaborative structure that includes Maine, neighboring state departments of agriculture, a community advisory council, and a DEI advisory council.

###

Media contact: Jim Britt <[email protected]>




Maine State Government is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

[ [link removed] ]

Facebook [ [link removed] ]?Twitter [ [link removed] ]?Email Updates [ [link removed] ]

Manage Preferences [ [link removed] ]?|?Unsubscribe [ [link removed] ]?|?Help [ [link removed] ]?|?Credits [ [link removed] ] |?Contact Us [ [link removed] ]





________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry ? 18 Elkins Lane, Harlow Building???Augusta, ME 04333 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]