New grant program aims to increase access to local food

A new pilot program in Northwest Arkansas is working to increase access to local food.

The Arkansas Grown Grant program, funded by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Walton Family Foundation, will help eligible farmers increase their capacity for wholesale fruit and vegetable production.  Grants of up to $15,000 will be available to at least 30 farmers in Benton, Washington, Madison, and Carroll Counties.

Wes Ward, Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture says the department is looking forward to seeing the positive impacts the grant program will have on farmers, consumers, and local food production in Northwest Arkansas.

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