TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $5.6 million has been awarded for 49 projects to strengthen the middle of Kansas’ food supply chain.

“Kansas’ central location and abundant agriculture production are critical to the nation’s food supply chain,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By investing in our producers and businesses in this sector, we are strengthening economic growth across the state.”

Through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, administered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), eight grants will improve producers’ infrastructure. The other 41 will strengthen the middle of the state’s food supply chain operations.

The projects selected for funding were informed by engagement and outreach with underserved producers to understand the needs of the agriculture supply chain.

“These grants will help Kansas food and farm businesses and other eligible organizations create diverse local and regional market options and more economic opportunities for our Kansas communities,” said Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “With this financial support, we will see improvements across the middle of our state’s food supply chain, including increased food processing infrastructure, producer aggregation points, and product storage.”

“Projects funded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program are building strength and resilience in Kansas’ food system, diversifying agricultural markets, creating new revenue streams for small and mid-sized producers, and providing economic opportunities for local communities,” said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt. “USDA is grateful for Kansas’ support strengthening local and regional agricultural supply chains.”

This awarded funding is part of the $420 million available through the federal American Rescue Plan.

A complete list of the 49 projects can be found here.

Click here for more information about the RFSI program at KDA.