The purpose of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program is to build resilience in the middle of the food supply chain; to provide more and better markets to small farms and food businesses; and to support the development of value-added products for consumers, fair prices, fair wages, and new and safe job opportunities.
Stakeholders may include, but are not limited to, small and underserved business owners, historically underserved farmers or ranchers, and other businesses that qualify under the Small Business Administration (SBA) categories of small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses, and veteran-owned small businesses.
Later this year our agency will be announcing a competitive infrastructure grant program. Funds will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry.
Request for Application
Download the Request for Applications here
FAQ
Implementation Timeline
Infrastructure Grant Application Period: December 20, 2023 – March 1, 2024
Simplified Equipment-Only Grant Application Period: December 20, 2023 – February 9, 2024
Notification to Applicants: Early May 2024
60-day USDA Review Period for Approval Begins May 25, 2024
RFSI Funding Period Estimated to Begin: July 25, 2024
RFSI Funding Period Closes: May 24, 2027
Resources
- RFSI Information Presentation [pptx]
- Registering with SAM.gov Presentation [pptx]
- Introduction to RFSI Webinar
- USDA Historically Underserved Farmers and Ranchers
- SBA Size Standards Tool
- SBA Small Disadvantaged Business
- SBA Veteran Contracting Assistance Programs
- SBA Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program
- Small Business Development Webinar
- Matching Funds Guide
More Information
Additional USDA information on RFSI can be found at ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsi
Click here for information on the RFSI State-led Project
Press Releases:
