| Item Title: | Economic Development - Letter of support to USDA Agriculture Marketing Service on behalf of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension's grant submission (2022-1067) |
| Submitted By: | Michael Hernandez, Director, Economic Development Department (915) 546-2177 |
| Subject: | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the letter of support to the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service, Regional Food Business Center on behalf of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension's grant proposal submission. (Contract No. 2022-1067) |
| Background: | El Paso County shares Texas A&M AgriLife’s desire to empower small and mid-sized farm and food producers in our region through the provision of technical assistance training, coordination, and capacity building. Our Economic Development Department, Heritage Tourism Division works closely with entrepreneurs and producers to support increase in production and distribution to address public health issues related to food insecurity, showcasing the culturally rich, nutritious foods and landscapes available in our unique Chihuahuan Desert. In 2018 the County adopted the Healthy Food Financing Initiative to offer grants and loans to businesses and non-profit organizations with the goal of supporting the rehabilitation and expansion of food retail infrastructure in El Paso County to provide more healthy food options for underserved residents. This economic development tool supports small, locally owned businesses. |
| Fiscal Impact: | N/A |
| Recommendation: | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the letter of support to the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service, Regional Food Business Center on behalf of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension's grant proposal submission. (Contract No. 2022-1067) |
| Prior Action: | N/A |
| Strategic Plan: | .. |
| Strategic Plan Information: | |