U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is making investments that will create new and better markets for agricultural producers and food businesses in 19 states across rural America.
“The Biden Harris Administration and USDA are standing up for America’s farmers and ranchers by expanding processing capacity, creating fairer markets, more revenue streams and market opportunities which help bring down food costs for families at the grocery store,” Vilsack said. “We are partnering with entrepreneurs in rural areas to build brighter futures, connect business owners to new markets and create good jobs for generations to come. These investments reflect the goals of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to rebuild our economy from the bottom up and middle out and make our communities more resilient.”
Michigan’s recipient is Verndale Products, Inc., located in Detroit.
“Agriculture touches every aspect of society, from the fields to the cities,” said USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan Brandon Fewins. “This project will strengthen Michigan’s food production industry and make the supply chain more resilient.”
Verndale Products will use a $5 million loan to purchase and install equipment at both of its dairy manufacturing plants. The facilities produce a rolled whole milk powder from fresh milk that sold in bulk to its customers, who are primarily manufacturers of premium chocolate. Its products are marketed across North America and the project will double the company’s production capabilities. Verndale Products is a family-owned and operated business and has been in operation for more than 64 years.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.