$12.6M Available to Help Support Ohio Food System

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Agriculture is offering financial support to businesses and producers who work in the middle of the food chain sector.

ODA has been awarded $12.6 million through the federal Resilient Food System Infrastructure Program to fund projects that support supply chain coordination activities, create more and better processing centers and increase accessible, affordable and efficient distribution of Ohio products. Projects may also include the construction, expansion and modernization of supply chain facilities.

“A strong Ohio depends on a strong agriculture community,” ODA Director Brian Baldridge said. “The RFSI grant program will help ensure we’re thoroughly investing in local producers and supporting Ohio’s food system. These grants create more economic opportunities for our communities and the farmers who help feed our state.”

The RFSI program aims to support growth in the middle of the food supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems by creating new revenue streams for Ohio producers, keeping profits circulating in rural communities and increasing diversity in processing options.

Those interested in receiving funding should apply directly through ODA by March 15. ODA encourages applications that serve smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers, underserved producers, veteran producers and underserved communities.

Pictured at top: Image via Ohio Department of Agriculture.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.