We are pleased to report that the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program is rolling forward.
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture partnered with USDA AMS to award $4.1 million for 26 projects
The 26 projects consist of four infrastructure projects and 22 equipment projects
Goal of these grants to build resilience along the middle of the supply chain while strengthening local and regional food systems.
Some examples:
- The Catawba Farm and Food Coalition will support ongoing efforts in rural areas of the Upstate and Piedmont regions of South Carolina through expansion of cold storage facilities and delivery vehicles to aid in the processing, aggregation, and distribution of local products and value-added items through producer partnerships.
- RobinHood Group will establish a commercial kitchen in Union, South Carolina, to address the lack of adequate kitchen facilities and equipment for processing local food and creation of value-added products, allowing producers to diversify and gain new market opportunities.
- Ridgeville Okra Company in Dorchester County will partner with local producers to increase product distribution into new markets across the state with a refrigerated delivery vehicle, ensuring efficiency and freshness along the supply chain.
- Old Tyme Bean Co. will address supply chain issues with storage and processing capacity through processing equipment and cold storage, ultimately helping local Midlands farmers get their crop to market through efficient and sustainable processing operations.
Visit agriculture.sc.gov/rfsi for more information.