Acres expands 2026 agriculture accelerator for small and mid-sized businesses

Acres launched its 2026 cohort with a broader sponsor network and a continued focus on supplier readiness, certification and long-term growth. The national program is designed to help agricultural businesses strengthen operations, compete for new procurement opportunities and build more resilient supply chains. Why it matters: - Acres is targeting a key gap for small and mid-sized agricultural businesses: access to business training, certification support and corporate procurement pathways. - The program is aimed at helping producers become more competitive in a market that increasingly demands diverse, agile and sustainable suppliers. - The expanded sponsor network adds more potential visibility, mentorship and commercial connections for participating businesses. What happened: - Acres launched its 2026 cohort as part of “Acres: Growing the Future of Agriculture,” a national agricultural business accelerator program. - The program is developed in partnership with NMSDC, the National Minority Supplier Development Council. - The cohort includes producers from across the U.S. and runs as a 10-week learning experience. - Cargill remains the founding sponsor. - New and continuing sponsors include UNFI, Bayer, Papa John’s, Compass Group Foundation, Hershey and Suntory Global Spirits. The details: - Acres offers business education and growth strategy development. - Participants get access to GrowthWheel™ business planning tools. - The program provides certification support through the National Minority Supplier Development Council. - The accelerator includes mentorship and executive engagement. - Participants are connected with corporate sourcing and procurement leaders. - The program also focuses on long-term operational resilience and scalability. - Acres has supported agricultural entrepreneurs since 2022. - Past participation has included businesses in produce, livestock, commodity and specialty products. - The 2026 cohort includes Hunt Farms Holdings in Pembroke, North Carolina; Versatili Tree Farms in Lake Worth, Florida; Gulf American Shrimp in Port Saint, Florida; Swanson Family Farm in Decatur, Georgia; Agape Organic Farms in Dansville, Michigan; P188 Farm 7 in Prentiss, Mississippi; Brown Family Farms of Fayette County in Connerville, Indiana; McGruder Farms in Sawyerville, Alabama; VertiGreens in St. Louis, Missouri; DAwn2Dusk Farm in Cambridge, Minnesota; Africando Foods in Tiffin, Iowa; Texas Bypass Local Food Program in College Station, Texas; Forestdale Farm in Flagstaff, Arizona; Rich 4 Family Farm in Starkville, Mississippi; and Mama’s Honey Haus in Owatonna, Minnesota. - The program is facilitated by Amber D. Smith, CEO and Farmher of Farms by Amber. - Phala Mire, COO of NMSDC, said the program reflects collaboration between corporations, business development organizations and entrepreneurs. Between the lines: - The sponsor list signals a push to build a more connected agricultural supply chain, not just a training program. - The emphasis on certification and procurement readiness suggests Acres is designed to move businesses toward revenue opportunities, not only education. - NMSDC’s involvement ties the accelerator to broader supplier-diversity infrastructure and corporate buying channels. What’s next: - Participants will go through the 10-week cohort and receive guidance intended to help them scale operations and prepare for new procurement opportunities. - Acres will continue positioning itself as a launchpad for agricultural businesses seeking long-term growth and stronger market access. - More information is available at the program page . The bottom line: - Acres is using corporate sponsorship, certification support and business training to help smaller agricultural businesses compete for bigger opportunities.