Wisconsin receives $23.2M to boost local food infrastructure

By Blake Jackson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to distribute $23.2 million for 30 projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI).

These grants, along with the previously awarded 41 Equipment Grants, total 71 projects in Wisconsin aimed at enhancing the resilience of the food system and supporting local food networks.

“These Infrastructure Projects being funded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program will build strength and resilience in Wisconsin’s food system, diversify agricultural markets, create new revenue streams for small and mid-sized producers, and provide economic opportunities for local communities,” said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt. “USDA is grateful for Wisconsin’s support strengthening local and regional agricultural supply chains.”

“Wisconsin’s farmers, producers, and our agricultural industries are a critical part of our state’s economic success and help make sure we’re getting food to tables, grocery stores, and restaurants across our country and the world over,” said Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. “I’m incredibly grateful these investments will help strengthen our supply chains and bolster economic opportunity and resilience across our state.”

Several projects benefiting from the grants are detailed below:

• Doudlah Farms Organics in Evansville will expand its capacity to warehouse, clean, package, and distribute organic ingredients, benefiting about 550 local and regional producers.
• Nasonville Dairy in Marshfield will invest in a new cold milk separator system to process additional milk, increasing its production by 25 million pounds annually.
• Red Door Family Farm in Athens will construct a packing shed and cold storage facility to store and transport produce from 20 partner farms.
• Seasonal Harvest in De Pere will improve its food aggregation hub by upgrading its inventory management system and acquiring delivery vehicles and packing facilities.

These efforts are part of the $420 million available through the RFSI program, which is funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The program aims to support local and regional food producers by strengthening the middle of the supply chain.

Photo Credit: wisconsin-doa