On July 15, Locus received notice that the USDA will terminate the Regional Food Business Center (RFBC) program, ending operations for the Southeast Center—co-led by Locus—on September 15, 2025. The USDA cited a shift in the current administration’s priorities as the reason for discontinuing the program. While we are saddened by the loss of this vital resource for small and mid-sized food and farm businesses, we are incredibly proud of the work accomplished since early 2024. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the partner organizations that made up the Southeast RFBC, especially our co-leads at Georgia Minority Outreach Network.
This news is disheartening, but it punctuates the need—and creates a call to action—for steadfast commitment to regional food systems development. The national network of RFBCs laid the groundwork for a transformative, five-year initiative to support food and farm businesses with technical assistance, resource coordination, and catalytic grants. Though federal funding has been withdrawn, the need—and the momentum—remain.
For over a decade, Locus has facilitated access to financial and technical resources for food businesses and food system stakeholders. While the RFBC program played an important role, it was always just one part of our broader mission to advance the food sector.
Locus’ commitment to regional food system transformation in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast enthusiastically continues. We are actively regrouping with regional collaborators to chart a new path forward:
- Preserving and deepening relationships with food system stakeholders across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.
- Identifying investable opportunities that align with community needs and values.
- Seeking mission-aligned capital partners to co-create a resilient food economy for all.
CDFIs and other partners are uniquely positioned to fill the gap left by the RFBC program. Locus is committed to exploring how our financial and other capital, in combination with that of partner organizations, can help sustain and scale this work—supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening supply chains, and advancing equal opportunity in food systems.
There is more to come from us, but in the meantime, please never hesitate to reach out. If you’re interested in being part of this next chapter, we’d love to connect.