The USDA Regional Food Business Centers are designed to:

  • Create opportunities for targeted, region-specific solutions.

  • Maximize locally driven investment impact.

  • Complement and support other USDA programs.

  • Collaborate with USDA Agricultural Marketing Service to ensure ongoing, regionally appropriate support and coordination. https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/local-regional/rfbcp

Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance – Lead Entity of the Islands and Remote Areas:

Mission:  We join together—with a sense of urgency—to raise community voice and support one another in the belief that each and every person in Hawai’i can share in healthy, locally produced food.

The Islands and Remote Areas RFBC is unique in many ways, therefore our challenges and proposed responses are unique.

Our challenges include: 

Geographic isolation, food transport logistics, underdeveloped infrastructure, extreme climate change impacts,

Colonial histories, large indigenous populations, and legal issues (not all states, some are territories and commonwealths).

 Our responses include:

We aim to promote accessibility to flexible capital and technical assistance (TA) for food and farm businesses through the establishment of a centralized online platform that brings together farmers, food businesses, TA providers, and funders.

Business Builder Subawards - We will be aiming to support increased local food production for small-scale marginalized farmers and producers - many of whom are indigenous producers - by offering funding for their specific needs, including machinery, inputs, equipment, and other essential infrastructure, including existing and emerging distribution systems, based on our network of food hubs.

Our Partners

Alaska Food Policy Council
The Alaska Food Policy Council (AFPC) is a dedicated organization working towards the development and implementation of effective food policies in the Last Frontier. Comprised of diverse stakeholders from government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the private sector, the AFPC is committed to creating a resilient and sustainable food system for all Alaskans.

U.S. Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition
The US Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition is dedicated to promoting local food systems by connecting food producers, distributors, and consumers. They ensure access to fresh, nutritious, locally grown produce through farmers' markets, educational programs, and partnerships with restaurants and grocery stores. Their efforts promote healthier lifestyles, support the islands' economy, and preserve culinary heritage.

Guahan Sustainable Culture
Guahan Sustainable Culture (GSC) cultivates ideas and strategies of environmental sustainability within our local community through practical education, social engagement, and collaborative partnerships. GSC believes that environmental sustainability translates into the well-being of our island community.

The USDA Regional Food Business Centers are established to drive economic opportunities across their region, creating a more diversified and resilient food system.

Geography: Hawaiʻi, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Alaska, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Summary: This Center serves the Nation’s Island States, Territories, and Commonwealths listed above. While not contiguous, these islands and remote areas face similar challenges including, food transport logistics, underdeveloped infrastructure, extreme climate change impacts and legal barriers such as highly regulated shipping requirements and exclusions from regional free trade agreements. The region relies on imports for over 90% of their food supply putting them at extreme risk of supply chain disruptions and high food prices.