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Today, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16) hosted US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Jenny Moffitt, in El Paso to discuss the USDA’s role in supporting a sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system. Under Secretary Moffitt was able to visit the Sparks colonia and meet with key partners and collaborators of the new Rio Grande Colonias Regional Food Business Center at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center.

Earlier this year, the USDA selected Texas A&M AgriLife as one of 12 organizations that will each establish a Regional Food Business Center to provide coordination, technical assistance, and capacity building to help farmers, ranchers and other food businesses access new markets and navigate federal, state and local resources.

“Under Secretary Moffitt’s visit today, again, underscores the Biden Administration’s commitment to investing in our communities where we need it most,” said Congresswoman Escobar. “As Congress begins considering the Farm Bill reauthorization, I’m proud to reiterate the need to increase federal funding and representation for families in El Paso’s colonias, strengthen food supply chains, support and bolster our local farms."

“It was great to be here in El Paso and be able to meet the organizations that are uniting to design the work of the Rio Grande Colonias Regional Food Business Center,” said Under Secretary Moffitt. “Communities need, and deserve, a strong local food system – one that is brings more of the food dollar back to farmers and ranchers, builds resilient and diversified markets, creates local jobs, and provides nutrition security for all. I believe very strongly in locally led solutions, that we achieve more when people who are established and trusted in the region are empowered. And today, with the partners I met with, I see a recipe for success. Partnerships, locally-led initiatives, innovative producers, and communities working to build a shorter food value chain, this is a recipe for success.”

“The County of El Paso is thrilled to join our local Texas A&M AgriLIFE Research Center in the establishment of the Regional Food Business Center that will empower small and mid-size farm and food producers in our region,” said County Judge Samaniego. “Our Economic Development, Heritage Tourism Division will be working closely with entrepreneurs and producers to support the increase in production and distribution to address the public health issues related to food insecurity while showcasing our culturally rich, nutritious foods and landscapes available in our beautiful Chihuahuan Desert. This amazing opportunity will enable small businesses and growers’ access to the equipment and infrastructure needed to successfully produce and distribute their products, strengthening the regional, binational food system. We are excited for this new and exciting collaboration.”

In May 2021, Congresswoman Escobar introduced H.R. 3238, the Colonia Infrastructure Improvement Act, that invests $1.5 billion in drinking water, wastewater, and surface infrastructure while creating good-paying jobs. Several of these provisions were also included in the INVEST in America Act. Additionally, financial support for colonias was included in the House FY23 NDAA by Congresswoman Escobar that reauthorized the dormant EPA wastewater grant program at $100 million a year over a 5-year period and reduced the local cost share to 20 percent. Congresswoman Escobar also secured $70 million for drinking and wastewater USDA loans/grants for colonias and Native American communities in the FY22 appropriations omnibus bill, which was $2 million more the previous year. Congresswoman Escobar also recently introduced H.R. 2740, her legislation to establish an Office of Colonia Affairs within the Department of Agriculture.

Photos of the day’s event can be found here. You can also read more about Texas A&M AgriLife here.