FC Development Corp. Advances Proposed USDA National Pilot Program Through Continued High-Level Engagement with State Director Christopher Lyon

Norwich, CT – April 25, 2026 – FC Development Corp. (FCDC), the brand management and expansion partner for The Farmer’s Cow®, announced today that it has held several productive follow-up meetings with the U.S. Department of Agriculture since its leadership visit to USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. Most recently, the company met with Christopher Lyon, USDA Rural Development State Director for Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, to further develop a proposed national pilot program designed to support small family farms through diversified revenue streams and public-private collaboration.

These ongoing discussions reflect strong mutual interest in creating a robust, scalable model that leverages The Farmer’s Cow®’s proven circular economy approach — combining premium retail, fast-casual dining, and clean energy initiatives — to enhance farm viability and rural economic development.

“USDA Rural Development’s mission is to strengthen rural communities and that includes investing in our rural farmers, said Christopher Lyon, State Director for USDA Rural Development in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. “Through a diverse variety of programs and valuable partnerships like the ones highlighted here, we are focused on putting farmers first and engaging in strategic public-private partnerships that can deliver meaningful results for family farms across the region.”

Edwin Molina, CEO of FC Development Corp., added: “Our continued dialogue with Director Lyon and the USDA team marks important progress toward turning our vision into reality. We are grateful for their engagement and share a common goal: creating sustainable opportunities for American family farmers. This partnership has the potential to strengthen rural economies while preserving the family farm model for future generations.”

FC Development Corp. and The Farmer’s Cow® represent an innovative, farmer-led model that aligns closely with USDA Rural Development’s mission to strengthen rural communities. The proposed pilot program builds on The Farmer’s Cow®’s 20+ years of experience operating a successful, diversified cooperative. By continued integration of retail distribution in grocery stores like Whole Foods & Big Y, locally-sourced experiential dining at The Farmer’s Cow® Calfé, and clean energy solutions, the model aims to provide family farms with new, stable revenue streams while maintaining their independence and connection to the land.

This latest update demonstrates continued momentum following the company’s recent strategic moves, including the appointment of high-caliber advisory board member Kurt Pilecki of Bison Capital and new supply chain partnerships.

About FC Development Corp.

FC Development Corp. (FCDC) serves as the premier management and development entity for the esteemed Farmer’s Cow brand of Connecticut. With deep expertise in managing family farm brands, FCDC is committed to growing and managing the cooperative’s brand. With a strong background in handling large agribusinesses, environmental regulation challenges, and financial opportunities, FCDC excels at identifying, and safeguarding the future of small family farming operations nationwide. With expertise across finance, technology, operations, and energy, FCDC is especially responsible for founding multi-million-dollar companies and raising millions in capital.

About The Farmer’s Cow

The Farmer’s Cow® is a cooperative of six family-owned and operated multigenerational Connecticut dairy farms that joined forces in 2003 to bottle and market fresh local milk under one trusted brand. By pooling their milk and delivering it to stores within 48 hours of milking, they offer some of the freshest dairy in New England. Longtime advocates for farmland protection, Chairman Jim Smith of Cushman Farms and other key founding members were instrumental in shaping and passing the landmark 2018 Farmland Preservation Act that strengthened Connecticut’s easement program. Today their six farms protect thousands of permanently preserved acres—the largest single block held by any cooperative in the state. This commitment, and over 20 years of proven success, earned them the prestigious Connecticut Legacy Recognition Award in 2023, affirming their contributions to manufacturing, retail, restaurants, brand development, and clean energy—the sole recipient for the state. The Farmer’s Cow shows that when family farms stand united, they can safeguard both their land and their legacy.

For More Information

Contact: FC Development Corp. at info@fcdevcorp.com