Ohio Food Supply Chain Bolstered by ODA Grant Program
In partnership with: Ohio Department of Agriculture
To build the resilience of Ohio’s food supply chain, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is awarding millions of dollars to local businesses and producers who help food make its way from farm to fork. This effort is part of a broader initiative to enhance the state’s middle of the food supply sector, food security, and economic stability.
The ODA has entered into a cooperative agreement with the USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service to administer the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program. The RFSI Grant 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. The goal is to keep profits circulating in rural communities and increase diversity in processing options.
ODA has been awarded $12.6 million to fund projects that support expanding supply chain capacity and increase accessible, affordable, and efficient distribution of Ohio products.
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“Based on the volume of interest in the RFSI Grant Program and the number of applications ODA received, there is a tremendous interest and need in Ohio across all industries in the middle of the food supply chain,” says Sarah Swartzwelder, grant coordinator for ODA’s Division of Food Safety. “Ohio received over 230 applications totaling over $80 million in requests.”
A survey of stakeholders conducted by ODA prior to the grant release indicated that top priorities within the middle of the food supply chain included expanding capacity for processing aggregation and distribution of agricultural products to create more and better markets for producers. Stakeholders also indicated a need for modernization of manufacturing, tracking, and storage.
In addition to the RFSI funds, Ohio livestock and poultry farmers will benefit from the Meat Processing Grant Program announced by Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development. Up to $500,000 is available in funding to improve processing efficiencies, expand or construct facilities, and enhance harvest services.
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The meat processing grants can be used for various purposes, including acquiring new or upgraded machinery and equipment, technology products, and investments in plant construction or expansion – whether for confinement, processing, or refrigeration. The goal is to empower Ohio’s livestock producers by improving the infrastructure that supports them, ensuring a more resilient food supply chain.
“Ohio meat processing grants have seen tremendous interest and success,” Swartzwelder says. “It is a growing industry as well, as the state has seen a 23% increase in fully inspected facilities.”
As the state continues to invest in these critical areas, ODA awaits the USDA’s review and approval of selected projects. Once selections have been made, Ohio RFSI Grant Program award recipients will be announced.