Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program - Infraestructure Grant

Purpose: Michigan's RFSI Infrastructure Grant builds resilience in the middle of the food supply chain by expanding processing, aggregation, storage/cold storage, manufacturing, distribution, and related infrastructure for locally and regionally produced foods (excluding meat and poultry). It aims to create more and better markets for small and mid-sized producers, support value-added products, fair prices and wages, and new, safe jobs. Eligibility and priorities: Eligible entities are agricultural producers or processors (and their groups), nonprofit organizations, local governments, federally recognized Tribal governments, and institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals engaged in middle-of-the-supply-chain activities in Michigan. Projects must focus on food for human consumption and occur in Michigan. For-profit applicants must meet SBA small business size standards. Projects benefiting underserved producers and small/medium enterprises are encouraged and may qualify for reduced match. Project eligibility: Allowable activities include facility upgrades or new construction; modernization/expansion of existing facilities; wastewater management structures; purchase and installation of special purpose processing and manufacturing equipment; storage and cold chain; post-harvest cleaning and grading; preparation and packing; drying, hulling, milling; and related planning, design, food and worker safety, and limited term staff for project implementation. Ineligible activities include land acquisition; projects focused on meat and poultry or other excluded products; expenses already funded elsewhere; and duplicative funding for the same activities. Application process: The 2024 RFP opened 05/08/2024 and proposals were due 06/17/2024 at 5:00 p.m. EDT through the MiAgGrants portal (using a Citizen or Business MiLogin account). Applications require a UEI prior to award, a project narrative using USDA templates, budget, signed match verification letters, and an Evidence of Critical Resources/Infrastructure letter. Infrastructure projects are subject to federal requirements (e.g., NEPA; and for applicable public projects, Build America, Buy America). Awards are approved by USDA following MDARD's Joint Evaluation Committee review; reimbursements are processed quarterly in MiAgGrants. MDARD recommended planning Infrastructure projects to complete by late 2026, with all work completed within the overall RFSI grant term.