TDA partners with USDA on food supply chain grant program

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) on a $5.5 million competitive grant program for projects designed to build resiliency in the food supply chain as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Applications for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) will be accepted through Aug. 31. Using RFSI funding, TDA will fund projects that increase access to commercial kitchens and co-packing facilities. Additional funded projects will expand processing capacity, including adding product types, increasing production volumes, and supporting new wholesale or retail product lines. The state’s priorities are informed by stakeholder engagement and outreach to underserved producers to better understand their needs. Those interested in RFSI grants should apply online. More information is also available at the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure webpage.