Keating: Cape Awarded $199K to Support Local Farmers

Statement

Today. Rep. Bill Keating announced that two Cape businesses had been awarded almost $200,000 from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support local food infrastructure and increase access to fruit and vegetables. These grants are administered by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). According to the USDA, "AMS and FNS have partnered to boost affordable access to local, fresh and healthy foods, which creates a gateway to opportunity for small and mid-size producers and benefits the health of all Americans."

The Lower Cape Cod Community Development Corporation was awarded $100,000 as part of the new Farmers' Market Development Program, that aims to increase participation and sales in local farmers' markets by training vendors in business management and new product development.

The Sustainable CAPE -- Center for Agricultural Preservation & Education was awarded $99,912 to increase residents -- including low-income families -- access to locally produced fruit and vegetables. This includes creating a coalition of at least three farmers' markets on the Outer Cape to foster collaboration, implement unified management practices, and provide incentives for local producers.

Rep. Bill Keating drafted a letter of support for these grants to the USDA.

"Access to fresh fruit and vegetables should not be a luxury for the wealthy or those in affluent areas," said Rep. Bill Keating. "The benefits to both the producer and consumer of local produce is something we should be investing more in. I am proud that our local farmers are getting additional support. I am even more encouraged that our fine local produce will be made more readily available for anyone -- regardless of their socio-economic background -- who wishes to eat it or feed it to their family."

"Starting or growing a small business on Outer Cape Cod can be a real challenge due to our largely seasonal and tourism driven economy." Said Jay Coburn, Executive Director of the Community Development Partnership. "Fortunately there are promising opportunities in farming, aquaculture and food production to create year-round businesses and keep young people in our community. Funds from USDA will allow us to ensure that new and growing businesses thrive with training, technical assistance and access to capital through our micro-loan fund."

Source