After reading this report, what can EDDs do to support food systems development in their regions that uplift local growers and producers, promote local value chains, and build wealth in their regions?  

The following are key recommendations that EDDs can take on, using the resources and staff expertise EDDs already have and partnering with federal funding partners and organizations with whom many EDDs already have close working relationships.   

1. EDA and USDA Complementary Funding 

• USDA RD – EDA Joint Planning Resource Guide – 2024 Update 

EDA and USDA have several complementary planning and program grant opportunities that can greatly expand program services delivered to rural areas. EDDs typically have extensive experience with both EDA and USDA funding and can serve as an integrator at the regional level to bring more funds to their rural communities.  

2. Entrepreneur Support 

• USDA RD – Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program 

Entrepreneurial support and creating local jobs are vital aspects of regional food systems development. EDDs can apply to USDA to serve as a Microenterprise Development Organization (MDO). MDOs are tasked with operating a Microloan Revolving Fund that provides targeted capital support to rural places that lack access to affordable capital. This loan program can be a valuable tool for food systems development and entrepreneurial support.  

3. Food Hub Development  

• USDA RD – Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program 

• USDA RD – Rural Business Development Grants 

Along with business financing, EDDs can assist local food entrepreneurs by convening stakeholders and sourcing funding for a targeted local or regional food hub. As seen in the Southside PDC case study above, food hubs can have a transformative impact on local and regional economies and provide avenues for growth for local food entrepreneurs.  

4. Planning Support for Communities  

• American Planning Association – Food Systems Planning 

With some training and research into food systems development, EDD planners can quickly begin to understand food systems planning as there are many crossovers with community and economic development and transportation planning. ECFRPC and DVRPC planners showcased how regions can connect seemingly disparate issues in their region and work to better holistically address local and regional challenges.  

5. Food Systems Included in the CEDS 

The CEDS is the starting point for creating change in regional economic development. EDDs can open their region’s food systems to potential EDA funding by including information about regional food systems in the CEDS, including key players, strengths, gaps and opportunities. 

6. Talk to US

If your EDD is already engaged in regional food systems development work, contact NADO Research Foundation Regional Development Researchers Melissa Levy ([email protected]) and Andrew Coker ([email protected]) to share your work and best practices with the wider national network of EDDs.