The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has partnered with the state government of Alaska on strengthening the supply chain of local and regional food systems.
Together, the USDA and Alaska are offering more than USD 1.9 million (EUR 1.7 million) in competitive infrastructure grants for projects that can “build resilience across the middle of the supply chain.”
“This partnership between USDA and Alaska is allowing critical funding to reach areas of the supply chain that need it most,” USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Undersecretary Jenny Lester Moffitt said. “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.”
The funding is part of USD 420 million (EUR 386 million) the USDA has set aside to strengthen local and regional food systems through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). The agency is partnering with state governments to award the grants.
As for the state government, the Alaska Division of Agriculture plans to fund “projects that construct new facilities; expand processing capacities; equip facilities with specialized processing, sorting, packaging, and labeling equipment; modernize equipment and facilities; and increase storage space, including cold storage.”
“We would like to thank our partner USDA Agricultural Marketing Service for this grant opportunity as food security is critical in Alaska,” Alaska Division of Agriculture Director Bryan Scoresby said. “These funds will be available to provide our small to mid-size agriculture and food processors with essential infrastructure like increasing processing capacity, purchasing new equipment, expanding current facilities, and improving storage. Alaska needs this infrastructure now more than ever as our agriculture production continues to grow and put more food on Alaskan tables.”
The Alaska Division of Agriculture will accept grant applications through 15 March.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock/Earl D. Walker
