WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the termination of the Regional Food Business Centers (RFBC) program, a pandemic-era initiative launched under the Biden administration. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins cited unsustainable funding and lack of long-term Congressional support as the reason for the decision.
Originally funded through one-time emergency appropriations, the RFBC program was designed to bolster local food systems through technical assistance and subgrants to farmers and food entrepreneurs. Rollins criticized the program’s structure, 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, and it flies in the face of Congressional intent.”
While the USDA will terminate the program, it confirmed it will honor all current and pending Business Builder subawards—approximately 450 in total. These grants, managed by eight of the 12 regional centers, will continue through May 2026. The four RFBCs that have not yet issued grants—the Great Lakes Midwest, Southeast, Delta, and Islands and Remote Areas centers—will be discontinued immediately.
Remaining uncommitted funds will be redirected toward other initiatives aimed at supporting American agriculture.
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