USDA REGIONAL FOOD BUSINESS CENTER

The USDA established RFBCs to drive economic opportunities across regions and create more diversified and resilient food systems. HGFA has provided coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building as the Lead Entity of the Islands and Remote Areas Program since 2023.

The Regional Food Business Center (RFBC) serves as the cornerstone of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) development of local and regional supply chains for local farming communities of the Pacific Islands of Hawaiʻi, Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa; the state of Alaska, and the US Caribbean territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. 

These places share similar challenges including geographic isolation, food transport logistics, underdeveloped infrastructure, extreme climate change impacts, colonial histories, and legal issues that create a complex set of barriers to building resilient regional and local food systems and economies. 

To address these issues, the RFBC team starts with a strong focus on sovereignty in each subregion.  Establishing an RFBC for these areas is a unique opportunity to invest in these food systems in a way that reflects the specific circumstances of these communities.

WHAT WE DO

Coordination

Act as regional hubs coordinating across geographic areas, with USDA, other federal, state, and tribal agencies with relevant resources, regional commissions, and the other Regional Food Centers. They also conduct outreach to underinvested communities and businesses.

Technical Assistance

Provide direct business technical assistance to small- and mid-sized food and farm businesses (producers, processors, distributors, and other businesses within the food supply chain) and food value and supply chain coordination.

Capacity Building

Provide financial assistance through Business Builder subawards up to $100,000 to support projects focused on emerging regional needs and businesses that are working towards expansion and other investment.

Timeline

Year 1: July 2023 to June 2024

  • Conduct baseline assessment of each sub-region and the region as a whole

  • Each sub-region develops an implementation plan of their services for years 2-5

  • List collection & identification of participating Technical Assistance resources

  • Business Builder system developed & ready for implementation for years 2-5

Years 2 - 4

  • Disbursement & management of Business Builder sub-awards

  • Provide Technical Assistance matchmaking

  • Coordinate within region for collective interests on the regional and national level

Year 5

  • Closing of Business Builder program

REGIONAL PARTNERS

  • Guåhan Sustainable Culture (GSC) cultivates ideas and strategies of environmental sustainability within our local community through practical education, social engagement, and collaborative partnerships. GSC believes that environmental sustainability translates into the well-being of our island community.

  • Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition is dedicated to promoting local food systems by connecting food producers, distributors, and consumers. They ensure access to fresh, nutritious, locally grown produce through farmers' markets, educational programs, and partnerships with restaurants and grocery stores. Their efforts promote healthier lifestyles, support the islands' economy, and preserve culinary heritage.

  • The Alaska Food Policy Council (AFPC) is a dedicated organization working to develop and implement effective food policies for the benefit of all Alaskans. AFPC connects, advocates, and informs, to strengthen food systems for all Alaskans, with the vision of creating a healthier, more secure, and more resilient Alaska. Composed of diverse stakeholders from government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector, the AFPC is committed to creating a resilient and sustainable food system for all Alaskans.

To learn more about Regional Food Business Centers, please visit USDA Regional Food Business Centers and the USDA Regional Food Business Centers Islands and Remote Areas websites, or reach out directly.

Harmonee Williams,  Director of the Islands and Remote Areas’ Regional Food Business Center (IRA RFBC), Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance.