Michigan Awards $3.1 Million in RFSI Grants to Strengthen Local Food Systems

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has allocated over $3.1 million in grants to 34 entities through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program.

MDARD Director Tim Boring emphasized the significance of these investments, stating, "The RFSI program builds on our success at the state level by making further targeted investments in local food processing, aggregation, and distribution, which means more avenues for farmers to sell in their communities and more opportunities for Michigan families to purchase nutritious, locally grown foods."

Among the grant recipients is Cedarbrook Trout Farm in Harrisville, awarded $99,378.65 to establish a communal kitchen and expand cold storage and distribution capabilities. Owner Jerome Kahn highlighted that this funding will enhance their operations and support local food systems.

In the Thumb Region, Douglas Tree Farm in Lapeer received $96,900 to implement forced-air cooling, aiming to improve the quality and profitability of their blueberry harvest. Additionally, Kevin Messing of Ubly was granted $66,109 to enhance edible bean and grain processing at Sheridan Acres, facilitating custom processing for small local farms.

These grants are part of a broader effort to fortify Michigan's food supply chain. The USDA's RFSI program has allocated approximately $400 million nationwide to bolster the middle of the food supply chain. In Michigan, MDARD administers these funds through a competitive review process, focusing on expanding processing options for local and regional producers in sectors such as specialty crops, dairy, and grains.

For more information on the RFSI program and a complete list of grant recipients, visit the USDA's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure webpage.