From the Office of Senator Kerry

Friday, October 20, 2000

Washington – Congressman John W. Olver (D-1st District), Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Senator John F. erry announced today that $125,000 was included in the final version of the FY '01 Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill. The bill passed the House and the Senate yesterday.

"This funding is one more component that will help the food processing center get off the ground," Olver said. "I have been committed to this project for many years, and I'm glad to see state and federal resources coming together to make the center a success."

Congressman Olver and Senators Kennedy and Kerry requested the funding as an earmark. The money was included in the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Economic Development Initiative (EDI).

The Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center will be multi-purpose, consisting of a licensed commercial kitchen, individual processing space, and warehouse space for dry, frozen and cool storage. It will also provide a forum for education and technical assistance on topics of importance to farmers and food processors.

"The center will open up new opportunities for our local farmers by allowing them to create new food products and expand product lines," Olver added.

The center will serve a diverse group of users -- from apple orchards expanding into applesauce production to restaurant owners producing house salad dressing for retail sale. Additionally, as a business incubator, the center will serve to strengthen farms, promote sales and foster employment in the agricultural and food processing sector. Over 40 farms and businesses have expressed interest in using the center.

"These funds will enable small businesses and local farms to develop new products, expand their operations, and create new jobs," said Senator Kennedy. "We should do all we can to strengthen Franklin County farms, which continue to bring great pride to the Massachusetts label."

Senator Kerry said "It is important that we continue to support our farmers by building this food processing center. This funding will be a tremendous help in creating a multi-use facility and preserving Western Massachusetts' agricultural tradition."

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