WASHINGTON, D.C. (NAFB) – Issues brought on by cyberattacks and COVID-19 have caused serious challenges in America’s food systems.

Officials in Washington, D.C., are taking steps to help build a stronger and more resilient U.S. food system. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says they’ll invest more than $4 billion in the effort.

He says supply chain issues have caused several concerns about the food and agricultural systems in the U.S.

Vilsack says that leads him to believe a “transformational change” is needed in the food and ag systems. The investment funds will get used in four categories.

They’re also looking to solidify the processing sector as well.

USDA also hopes to see an expansion of the availability of more nutritious food, as well as food banks around the country, particularly in underserved areas. Financial resources come from a combination of COVID relief resources, the American Rescue Plan, and some traditional USDA programming resources.