By Scout Nelson
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, is inviting applications for a significant funding opportunity. $2.9 million is available in competitive grants under the South Dakota Resilient Food System Infrastructure (RFSI) program.
The RFSI program aims to boost the state's food system, particularly focusing on the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products.
This initiative excludes meat and poultry but encompasses specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, and aquaculture, among others.
DANR Secretary Hunter Roberts highlighted the importance of this program in bridging the gaps between producers, businesses, and markets. The program's design reflects the input from industry partners and stakeholders, focusing on enhancing processing capacity, commercial kitchens, cold storage, and other vital areas of the food supply chain.
Grants for infrastructure projects start at $100,000, requiring an equal match from applicants. Historically underserved producers and small disadvantaged businesses are eligible for a reduced match requirement. Equipment-only projects can receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 without any matching requirement.
To assist potential applicants, DANR is hosting RFSI Office Hours, including informational sessions on January 30, 2024. Timothy Schoonhoven, Policy Advisor, is available for further details and can be contacted at timothy.schoonhoven@state.sd.us or 605-773-5559.
The application window is open from January 10 to March 10, 2024. Eligible entities include agricultural producers and processors, small businesses, local or tribal governments, institutions, and nonprofit organizations involved in middle-of-the-supply-chain activities.
Following the application deadline, submissions will be competitively reviewed by an independent panel from the South Dakota agricultural community. Selected projects may receive funding for up to three years, commencing May 25, 2024.
Interested parties can access the Request for Proposals and application materials on the DANR website and submit their applications via email to Timothy Schoonhoven timothy.schoonhoven@state.sd.us.
Photo Credit - pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: South Dakota, Government & Policy