About

Through the Regional Food Business Center program, USDA established a total of 12 Regional Food Business Centers that will serve all areas of the country with a focus towards historically underinvested communities and will provide coordination, technical assistance and capacity building for farmers, ranchers, and other food businesses.

The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Foundation was selected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish the USDA Northeast Regional Food Business Center. The Northeast Regional Food Business Center will develop and amplify local and regional supply chains, with a strong emphasis on building equity and community resiliency into these systems in 11 states – Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont – and the District of Columbia. NASDA member collaborators include the Northeast State Departments of Agriculture and the Maryland Department of Agriculture.

Core Partners

NASDA Foundation – Grant administrator; project lead; fiduciary liaison with USDA staff.​

Buffalo Go Green – Lead and coordinate stakeholder outreach efforts to BIPOC-led organizations serving producers and food businesses in the Northeast.​

Cornell University’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement (CREA) – Develop virtual “home” of the Northeast Center; lead and coordinate technical assistance and business development resources.​

NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets – Facilitate communication and outreach and assist NASDA Foundation with coordination among State Departments of Agriculture.​

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry – Facilitate communication and outreach and assist NASDA Foundation with coordination among New England state governments and regional networks.​

Collaborative Structure

DEI Advisory Council

Identifies and addresses emerging opportunities for the inclusion of underinvested communities throughout program planning and implementation processes.

Community Advisory Council

Provides technical advice and critical thinking from various regions and industries within the Northeast food and ag sector to enhance program success and sustainability.

Members & State Staff

Provide recommendations and engagement opportunities from a state-specific perspective.

Strategic Stakeholders

Engage as desired by providing guidance, perspective and connections.