Workers sorting peaches

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI)

The Georgia Department of Agriculture is proud to introduce the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI), an initiative designed to enhance the robustness and sustainability of Georgia's food supply chain. Funded in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the RFSI program aims to empower Georgia's agricultural producers by strengthening the middle segments of the food supply chain.

Highlights

  • Program Overview

    The RFSI program seeks to build resilience within local and regional food systems, fostering economic growth and creating new opportunities for Georgia's farmers and food producers. By providing targeted support for infrastructure improvements and equipment upgrades, the RFSI program will enhance processing, aggregation, distribution, and storage capabilities across the state. The Georgia RFSI program has allocated $7.1 million in the form of grants for projects that meet these goals. 

    Grant applications are available below. After reading through the RFA and FAQ, send questions and/or completed applications to RFSI@agr.Georgia.gov.

    Georgia RFSI Request for Applications (RFA) 
    RFSI Equipment Only Grant Application (PDF)| MSWord
    RFSI Infrastructure Grant Application(PDF| MSWord
    Collaborating Organization Template
    Verification of Matching Funds Template
    These files must be opened using the lastest version of Adobe Reader

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • March 5th Webinar

    RFSI March 5th Webinar Presentation

  • Grant Opportunities

    1. Simplified Equipment-Only Grants:
    Fixed Price Grants for equipment purchases.
    Funding range: $10,000 to $100,000.
    No matching funds required.

    2. Infrastructure Grants:
    Supports large-scale projects to expand capacity and infrastructure.
    Funding range: $100,000 to $3,000,000.
    Matching funds required.

  • Eligibility

    Eligible entities include:
    Agricultural producers or processors (individuals or groups).
    Nonprofit organizations focused on supply chain activities.
    Local government entities.
    Tribal governments.
    Educational and healthcare institutions.
    All applicants must operate within Georgia and engage in activities that bolster the middle of the food supply chain.

  • Program Goals

    Support the development of value-added products.

    Ensure fair pricing, fair wages, and the creation of safe job opportunities.

    Increase diversity in processing options and accessibility for underserved communities.

    Application Process

    Applications must be submitted to the Georgia Department of Agriculture at RFSI@agr.Georgia.gov. 

  • Key Dates
    • Application Opening: February 14, 2024
    • Webinars and Office Hours: TBD
    • Application Deadline: March 29, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET
    • Award Announcements: June 1, 2024

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