Kentucky Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program (RFSI)

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture was awarded $8.6 million through the USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program. Eligible projects expand capacity for aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of food products — for specialty crops, dairy, grains for consumption, aquaculture, and other food products (excluding meat and poultry).

Kentucky food and farm businesses in the middle of the supply chain are eligible. Infrastructure grant applicants can apply for a minimum of $100,000 and a maximum of $3 million, with a 50% match of the total proposed project cost (some historically underserved farmers and businesses may be eligible for a reduced 25% match). Equipment-Only project applicants can apply for grants between $10,000 and $100,000 with no match required.

Two funding streams: Infrastructure Grants ($100,000–$3,000,000, 50% match / 25% for some underserved applicants) and Equipment-Only Grants ($10,000–$100,000, no match). Meat and poultry are excluded.

See the KDA RFSI webpage or contact RFSI@ky.gov, (502) 573-0282.