The Natural State is a proud leader in agricultural production, playing a critical role in feeding, fueling and clothing the world. This important responsibility has shaped our state’s rich identity and heritage while helping drive regional, statewide and economic opportunity.

The hard work of our farm families cannot be overstated. These men and women rise early and work long days to sustain communities both where they live and far away. Their efforts and dedication shape the character of our state, and Americans from coast to coast rely on their productivity to ensure families and businesses are able to purchase the items they need from their local grocery stores at affordable prices. 

As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I have met with farmers, ranchers and producers throughout Arkansas who are passionate about their responsibilities. As entrepreneurs, they recognize the need to connect their crops and products directly to their local community. With the growing demand for farm-to-table meals, there is an even greater need to help connect ag producers to those in search of their high-quality crops.

Now, a new venture in Northwest Arkansas is helping fill that gap: the Market Center of the Ozarks.

It was great to be in Springdale to celebrate the Market’s recent grand opening. This unique, new 45,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for local and regional farmers and food entrepreneurs who can access aggregation, processing capabilities, technical assistance, apprenticeship opportunities and more. The Market Center will also offer educational programming in its commercial kitchens and community spaces that can play an important role in teaching people of all ages about the food supply chain and tireless efforts of farm families.

It makes all the sense in the world to connect the food that is grown and raised locally to families and entrepreneurs in the region so they can have access to fresh food while supporting their hardworking neighbors.

It is exciting to see Arkansas continue to pioneer and invest in agricultural innovation and learning. While living close to farms gives rural residents a helpful perspective on how their meals get to their plate, many Americans have a limited understanding of where their food comes from and take for granted the ability to go to the grocery store and buy the food they need.

I am confident that the Market Center of the Ozarks’ model will serve as an example that other regions of the country can draw inspiration from and demonstrate how a community can support farmers while encouraging chefs and food entrepreneurs to explore new ways to serve customers. 

The launch of this innovative approach to food systems is a significant milestone for local and regional food systems, and I look forward to its success not only making our food supply chain more efficient but also raising awareness about the tireless efforts of the farm families who make that possible.