By Jamie Martin
The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA), in collaboration with the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), has announced the allocation of $677,670 in funding for ten projects under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI).
This initiative is aimed at enhancing the middle segment of the food supply chain and reinforcing local and regional food systems.
“Through this program, we can directly invest in our small and mid-sized producers so they can keep more of what they earn, bolster our state’s food system resiliency, and keep rural dollars in our rural communities,” said Director Jillien Streit. “This is a direct investment into the backbone of our economy.”
The RFSI funding supports a variety of projects that enhance infrastructure essential to the processing, aggregation, and distribution of food products. These investments focus on strengthening the operational capacity of small and medium-sized producers across Montana.
Among the projects receiving support is Trust Land Farm in Missoula, a mixed vegetable farm that will acquire equipment to boost soup production.
Cold Springs Organics in Belgrade, an organic grain producer, will use its funding to purchase a grain color sorter to improve processing efficiency and product quality.
Harlequin Produce, located in Arlee, will receive funding for equipment to wash and pack vegetables more effectively.
This Montana-based funding is part of the broader $420 million RFSI grant program, created to build resilience in the food supply chain through the American Rescue Plan.
The USDA’s AMS has partnered with various state and territorial agencies to manage these grants and support infrastructure development within local food systems.
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Categories: National