The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the free and restricted percentages of tart cherries grown in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin that handlers may purchase from, or handle on behalf of, tart cherry growers during the 2023-24 crop year. A final rule was published in the Federal Register on Aug.

Question: What types of farms and food businesses are eligible for Business Builder awards?

Answer: Business Builder awards support the growth and viability of small and mid-sized producers and food businesses along local and regional food supply chains, including agricultural producers, growers, processors, aggregators, and distributors, producers that supply local food systems, farmers markets, restaurants, and schools. 

All Regional Food Business Centers administer a Business Builder award program as part of their Capacity Building goals. Business Builder awards provide direct financial assistance of up to $100,000 to eligible small and mid-sized farms and food businesses. Awards are made for business, market, and supply chain development projects aimed at increasing business viability, developing regional market opportunities, and expanding value chain capacity.

Popcorn 62 FR 39389: Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Order: 07/22/97