Rio Grande Colonias USDA Regional Food Business Center
As you may have heard or read, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the termination of the Regional Food Business Centers program (Termination of Regional Food Business Centers Programs | Agricultural Marketing Service). This is a regrettable moment for those of us who have given our expertise and commitment to serve our community and advance our shared mission.
While this USDA program funding is ending, our dedication to transparency and goals of the program remain unchanged. We are actively working to ensure a smooth and responsible transition while we pursue other opportunities to continue this important food systems work. Indeed, our key partners and collaborators will continue to provide support for small and mid-sized food and farm businesses in Texas and New Mexico. Their ongoing efforts will help sustain the momentum we’ve built together and ensure that this good work continues.
As noted in the USDA announcement, centers that have executed or announced Business Builder subawards will have the option to continue managing those existing commitments through May 2026. For those who have already been selected as grant awardees, please be assured that we will provide timely updates on next steps and disbursement of funds as soon as they are available from USDA. Clients will receive communication about their application and grant award status in the following days and weeks.
As we navigate this transition, we remain determined to make a meaningful impact. Our team is focused on maximizing the value of our available resources to honor the legacy of this program and the communities we serve.
We express our profound gratitude to each of you, our clients, partners, and stakeholders, for your trust and collaboration in our work and achievements. Thank you for standing with us. We will continue to communicate openly and provide updates as we navigate this program closure together.
The Rio Grande Colonias USDA Regional Food Business Center is one of 12 Regional Food Business Centers nationwide funded by the USDA and launched in July 2023. The 12 Centers support all 50 U.S. States and Territories and will serve as regional hubs, providing localized assistance to address the needs of small and mid-sized food producers and food business in three key areas: Coordination, Technical Assistance, and Capacity Building.
The Rio Grande Colonias Center serves small and mid-sized food producers and food businesses in Texas and New Mexico, with focused support to 38 Priority Counties across both states. Priority Counties include Colonias. By promoting increased collaboration between rural and urban areas, producers, aggregators, distributors and other key players along the agricultural supply chain, the Center aims to fortify the regional food system and increase economic opportunity throughout the region.
The Center is led by Texas A&M AgriLife and headquartered at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center in El Paso. This 5-year project is a cooperative agreement with the USDA and several Key Partner and Collaborator agencies in the region. Key Partners on the project are: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Center for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Advancement, The UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in El Paso, La Semilla Food Center, People Fund, and Feeding Texas. Collaborators on the project include: Desert Spoon Food Hub, The University of Texas at El Paso, and Border City Distribution.
