Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces New Investments in Local Urban Agriculture During Visit to Columbus

The U.S. Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, visited Turn Around Columbus, a nonprofit organization in Georgia dedicated to youth development and creating opportunities for future entrepreneurs, farmers, and community leaders. This visit highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to expanding markets, increasing revenue, and supporting agriculture in Georgia and nationwide.

During the visit, Secretary Vilsack, along with U.S. Representative Sanford D. Bishop, toured the facilities at Turn Around Columbus and announced a 5,000 funding grant for the organization. This funding, part of a larger .5 million grant awarded to the University of Georgia’s Archway Partnership, aims to support urban producers through the new Urban County Committee pilot program.

Secretary Vilsack emphasized the importance of supporting all producers, regardless of size or location, and creating new markets and revenue opportunities. The funding will enable Turn Around Columbus to enhance their educational programs, training, and marketing efforts, as well as expand their operations to further their mission of community and youth development in Columbus.

The USDA has various programs in place to assist both urban and rural producers in Georgia create new markets and revenue streams. These include the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity, Regional Food Business Centers, and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the USDA is committed to transforming America’s food system by promoting local and regional food production, ensuring access to healthy food for all communities, and investing in clean energy and infrastructure in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov.

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