By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has granted $5.9 million to fortify the food supply chain through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). This initiative aims to build resilience and diversify agricultural markets within Alabama.
Six infrastructure projects will benefit from this funding, focusing on enhancing the middle of the supply chain to support small and mid-sized agricultural producers.
These projects include developing cold chain and processing infrastructure, constructing dairy processing facilities, and establishing produce processing facilities that will also serve local educational systems.
One notable project involves the Alabama State Association of Cooperatives partnering with Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension and other local entities to advance infrastructure that supports produce from the Alabama Black Belt counties.
Commissioner Rick Pate highlighted the significance of these grants: "Since the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing this project has been essential for Alabama. Before its official launch, I reached out to the USDA to emphasize Alabama's need for funding to strengthen our local food supply chain.”
This funding, part of a broader $420 million initiative under President American Rescue Plan, underscores a national effort to strengthen food systems and ensure sustainable growth and resilience in agricultural practices. Alabama’s proactive measures to enhance its food supply infrastructure reflect a commitment to both economic growth and food security.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National