KY strengthens local food systems with $8.6 million grant

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner, Jonathan Shell, announced the exciting opportunity for producers to leverage an $8.6 million grant to bolster local and regional food systems. This initiative stems from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, aiming to enhance the state's agricultural output and create new revenue streams for producers.

The grant, part of a broader $420 million USDA commitment, targets projects that expand capacity across various stages of the food supply chain. This includes aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution for various food products, excluding meat and poultry.

Prior to applying, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) gathered valuable input from farmers and industry stakeholders to ensure the program aligns with state needs and priorities. The funds, derived from the American Rescue Plan (ARP), will be distributed through competitive subawards in two categories: Infrastructure and Equipment-Only.

Infrastructure Grants:

Range from $100,000 to $3 million.
Require a 50% match from recipients, except for underserved entities eligible for a 25% match.

Focus on areas like:

Expanding processing, aggregation, and distribution capabilities
Modernizing manufacturing, logistics, and information systems
Enhancing worker safety through technology or facility upgrades
Improving compliance with food safety regulations
Training and skill development for operators
Constructing or revamping facilities
Implementing wastewater management solutions
Upgrading processing and manufacturing equipment
Investing in technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water, improve air and water quality, and align with USDA's climate goals

Equipment-Only Grants:

Range from $10,000 to $100,000 for equipment purchases.
Do not require matching funds.

This initiative marks a significant step towards a more resilient and robust local food system in Kentucky, empowering producers, creating jobs, and ensuring access to fresh, high-quality food for communities across the state.

To find more information about the applications or the available grants, visit the RFSI page on the KDA website: https://www.kyagr.com/marketing/rfsi.html.

Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board