WASHINGTON (CBS19 NEWS) -- Three area wineries are getting grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Monday that USDA is making investments to help strengthen food and agriculture supply chains, expand markets for producers, and lower food costs across the country.

According to a release, this announcement was part of the inaugural meeting of the new White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience, which is part of the Biden administration’s work to lower costs for families and increase investment in supply chains that are critical to economic and national security.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is championing America’s farmers and ranchers by helping expand businesses and supporting more robust American supply chains,” Vilsack said. “Today’s investments in agricultural producers and rural entrepreneurs will create better economic opportunities that bolster food supply chains across the country and increase competition, a key pillar of Bidenomics. This will result in more affordable prices and choices for consumers, as well as more opportunities and revenue for farmers.”

The release says this funding builds on prior investments made under the Investing in America agenda to increase competition and lower costs by enhancing independent meat and poultry and other diversified food processing capacity, strengthening local and regional food systems, and expanding domestic and innovative fertilizer production.

There are 185 projects across the country receiving nearly $196 million in funding.

Locally, Horton Vineyards in Gordonsville, King Family Vineyards in Crozet, and Keswick Winery in Keswick are each getting $250,000 through the Value-Added Producer Grants Program.

This program aims to help farmers and ranchers enter new markets by adding value to their bio-based products that will in turn increase their revenue. This can occur through improvements to the manufacturing process or marketing.

Horton will be using its funding to expand marketing activities and processing capacity. Matching personal funds will also support this effort to increase the vineyard’s retail customer base and sales.

At King Family Vineyards, the funding will go toward expanding the Crosé product line. Matching personal funds will also be applied to support market expansion as well as operation and labor expenses.

And Keswick is planning to use its grant to expand its offerings and to attract more customers. The owners will be providing matching funds to build on their production and retail as well.

Several other facilities in Virginia are receiving grants, including Briede Family Vineyards in Winchester, Paradise Springs Winery in Fairfax, Purcell’s Seafood in Reedville, Mor-Industries in Crystal Hill, Crosskeys Vineyards in Rockingham County, Old House Vineyards in Culpeper County, Shenandoah Seasonal in Clear Brook, Farmhouse Butchery in Pittsylvania County, Ballard Fish and Oyster Company in Chincoteague, Bates Family Farm in Cedar Bluff, Schwarzgold C&E Group in Kenbridge, Cave Ridge Vineyards in Mount Jackson, and the Winery at Kindred Pointe in Mount Jackson.