U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week underscored several new investments aimed at strengthening the supply chain and boosting rural economies during a roundtable discussion hosted by Landus Cooperative in Des Moines. 

During the event, Vilsack highlighted grants under three programs to increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity, expand fertilizer production and expand the availability of higher-blend biofuels in Iowa. He said the USDA grants are part of the Biden administration’s overarching goal to help middle class Americans and small businesses.

“While American farmers and ranchers have been responding to the demand to produce more, their communities have struggled to see their share of the benefits,” said Vilsack. “This is the new model of additional...