Key Takeaways:
- The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) offers financial support to businesses in the middle of the food chain through a $12.6 million federal grant.
- The Resilient Food System Infrastructure (RFSI) Program aims to enhance supply chain coordination, processing centers, and distribution of Ohio products.
- Funding applications are encouraged, especially from smaller farms, new farmers, and underserved communities, with a March 15, 2024 deadline.
Introduction to Ohio Department of Agriculture Financial Support Initiative
The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has announced a significant financial boost for businesses and producers operating within the middle of the food chain sector. With a substantial $12.6 million in funding from the federal Resilient Food System Infrastructure (RFSI) Program, the initiative aims to strengthen Ohio’s food supply chain from farm gate to the plate.
Objectives of the RFSI Program
The RFSI Program is designed to fund projects that enhance supply chain coordination, improve processing centers, and expand distribution networks for Ohio’s agricultural products. This includes potential construction, expansion, and modernization of facilities integral to the food supply chain. ODA Director Brian Baldridge emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The RFSI grant program will help ensure we’re thoroughly investing in local producers and supporting Ohio’s food system. These grants create more economic opportunities for our communities and the farmers who help feed our state.”
The Broader Impact of the RFSI Grant
By focusing on the middle of the food supply chain, the RFSI program seeks to stimulate growth, create new revenue streams for Ohio producers, and enhance the diversity of processing options. This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it’s a strategic move to keep profits circulating within rural communities, support local economies, and ensure a resilient food system.
Application Process and Encouraged Participants
With the application deadline of March 15, 2024, ODA calls for interested parties to step forward. The department particularly encourages applications that serve smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers, underserved producers, veteran producers, and communities that have historically been left behind. This inclusive approach aims to ensure that the benefits of the RFSI grant are felt widely and equitably across Ohio’s agricultural sector.
