The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has a cooperative agreement with Illinois under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). Through this agreement, USDA and Illinois are working together to offer over $5 million in competitive grant funding for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain. Illinois is accepting applications for this Infrastructure Grant funding through March 15, 2024.
"This partnership between USDA and Illinois is allowing critical funding to reach areas of the supply chain that need it most," said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt. "The projects funded through this program will create new opportunities for the region’s small and midsize producers to thrive, expand access to nutritious food options, and increase supply chain resiliency."
Using RFSI funding, the Illinois Department of Agriculture will work to reduce the gaps in the regional and local food supply chain. Funded projects will enhance capacities for processing, storage aggregation, and distribution to scale up production, marketing, and consumption of local foods in Illinois. The state’s priorities are informed by stakeholder engagement and outreach to underserved producers to better understand their needs.
"The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program provides federal funds to build upon Illinois’ investments in local food," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. "When we help small and mid-sized producers grow, we expand access to fresh, local food products, fortify local economies and strengthen the food supply chain."
"The Resilient Food System Infrastructure program uplifts our state’s number one industry and puts us on a path to ending food insecurity. Every community in Illinois deserves access to fresh, nutrient-dense food, and these grants will bring historically disinvested areas closer to that reality," said Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "This program proves that Ag Connects Us All, and I strongly encourage our local BIPOC, women-owned, and veteran farmers to apply."
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Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy