USDA and Wisconsin Award $3.1 Million to Projects that Strengthen Food Supply Chain Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced it has partnered with Wisconsin to award $3.1 million for 41 equipment projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems.<_o3a_p>

"Projects funded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program are building strength and resilience in Wisconsin's food system, diversifying agricultural markets, creating new revenue streams for small and mid-sized producers, and providing economic opportunities for local communities," said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt. "USDA is grateful for Wisconsin's support strengthening local and regional agricultural supply chains."<_o3a_p>

Through this program, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) will fund 41 Equipment Grants to support middle of the supply chain infrastructure. Additional infrastructure-specific projects will be announced in the coming months.<_o3a_p>

Examples of Funded Projects:<_o3a_p>

• Heartland Craft Grains, a family-owned farmstead mill and grain processor near Lodi, Wis., will purchase equipment to automate the handling, batching, and dispensing of their finished, value-added processed grains into packaging. These ingredients are then used to add value, flavor and nutrition to other food businesses, such as bakeries, restaurants, tortillerias, pasta makers, brewers and distillers, and more. <_o3a_p>
• The Sokaogon Chippewa Community in Crandon, Wis., will purchase manoomin (wild rice) processing and storage equipment to provide opportunities for at least 20 underserved, tribal producers. Manoomin production capacity is currently severely limited by lack of larger-scale, collective processing equipment. This project is part of a set of proposals coordinated by the Great Lakes Intertribal Food Coalition (GLIFC) designed to form a statewide network of mid-supply-chain infrastructure-supporting economic opportunities for underserved producers across the state. <_o3a_p>
• The Driftless Berry Grower group, under the leadership of Good Thunder Farm in Richland Center, Wis., will purchase 12 pieces of equipment for storage, juicing, freeze drying and distilling elderberries, aronia berries, and currants. This group of 12 small, beginning berry farmers will build middle of the supply chain infrastructure for processing these crops of growing importance and popularity in Wisconsin, strengthening rural economies. <_o3a_p>

"Wisconsin remains an agricultural powerhouse in part because of the innovation that Wisconsinites bring to farming and food systems-innovation that is exemplified by these 41 projects funded through RFSI Equipment Grants," said Wisconsin DATCP Secretary Randy Romanski. "We thank USDA for their partnership in supporting these projects, which we expect will make significant positive impacts in their local and regional food systems."<_o3a_p>

This awarded funding is part of the $420 million available through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grant program to build capacity within the middle of the supply chain and support local and regional producers. It is funded by President Biden's American Rescue Plan. Through this program, AMS has entered into cooperative agreements with state agencies, commissions, or departments responsible for agriculture, commercial food processing, seafood, or food system and distribution activities or commerce activities in states or U.S. territories. <_o3a_p>

For more information, visit the AMS Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure webpage. The status of each state and territory's RFSI program is available on the program's State Grant Webpage. <_o3a_p>

AMS administers programs that create domestic and international marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops. AMS also provides the agriculture industry with valuable services to ensure the quality and availability of wholesome food for consumers across the country and globally. AMS services and its significant grant investments create opportunities by supporting American farmers, ranchers and businesses across the supply chain, and drive economic development in small towns and rural communities.<_o3a_p>

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America's food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.<_o3a_p>

Get the latest Agricultural Marketing Service news at www.ams.usda.gov/news.<_o3a_p>

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