TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced $5.6 million in funding for 49 projects to strengthen Kansas’ middle food supply chain.

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

Under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program, administered by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), eight grants will improve growers’ infrastructure, while the other 41 will strengthen the state’s core food supply chain.

The projects selected for funding were based on engaging and outreach to underserved producers to understand the needs of the agricultural supply chain.

“These grants will help Kansas food and agriculture companies 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 our state’s food supply chain, including improved food processing infrastructure, producer aggregation points and product storage.”

“Projects funded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program strengthen and make Kansas’ food system more resilient, diversify agricultural markets, create new revenue streams for small and medium-sized producers, and provide economic opportunities for local communities,” said Jenny Lester Moffitt, undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “The U.S. Department of Agriculture is grateful for Kansas’ support in strengthening local and regional agricultural supply chains.”

These funds are 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.