U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Farah Ahmad today toured the newly-upgraded VernDale Products, Inc. milk plant in Detroit to highlight USDA investments in strengthening the food supply chain.
“The Biden Harris Administration and USDA are building a more resilient food supply chain that supports farmers and ranchers and helps bring down food costs for families at the grocery store” Ahmad said. “By partnering with entrepreneurs and local businesses like VernDale Products we are expanding processing capacity and strengthening the food supply chain right here in Michigan."
VernDale Products used a $5 million USDA Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan to purchase and install equipment at both of its dairy manufacturing plants. The facilities produce a rolled whole milk powder from fresh milk that is sold in bulk to its customers, who are primarily manufacturers of premium chocolate. Its products are marketed across North America and the project will double the company’s production capabilities.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.