By Blake Jackson
Missouri's food scene is set to blossom, thanks to a $6.9 million injection from the USDA's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program! This grant bonanza aims to bridge the gap between farms and families, creating a more robust and sustainable food supply chain.
The goal? Empowering small farms and food businesses, nurturing fair prices and wages, and keeping profits flowing through rural communities. Think locally grown fruit and veggies, fresh dairy, and grain bounty, all finding their way to your table with a touch of local love.
Excited to be part of this delicious transformation? MDA has two grant options tailor-mades for you:
Simplified Equipment-Only Grant: Need a shiny new processing machine or cool storage solution? This grant focuses on equipment purchases, with projects needing to be completed by June 30, 2025. Applications close March 8, 2024, so get your pitch ready!
Infrastructure Grant: Dreaming of bigger things? This grant supports improvements to existing buildings and facilities, giving your food dreams a brick-and-mortar boost. Projects have until December 31, 2026, to be completed, with applications due March 15, 2024.
If you need a hand polishing your grant proposal, MDA's free technical assistance is just a click away. Contact MDA’s Rachel Heimericks at (573) 522-1955 or Rachel.Heimericks@mda.mo.gov with any questions.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Missouri, Business