COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has secured $12.6 million through the federal Resilient Food System Infrastructure (RFSI) Program to fortify the state’s food supply chain. This initiative aims to enhance supply chain coordination, expand processing centers, and improve the distribution of Ohio products.
ODA Director Brian Baldridge emphasized the program’s significance, stating, “A strong Ohio depends on a strong agriculture community.” The RFSI grants, available for application until March 15, 2024, target projects supporting smaller farms, new and beginning farmers, and underserved communities.
Administered by ODA in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS), the RFSI program seeks to bolster the middle of the food supply chain, creating new revenue streams for Ohio producers and fostering economic opportunities. Detailed guidelines are available at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsi, reflecting a collaborative effort to strengthen Ohio’s agricultural landscape.