Public Affairs
WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced it has partnered with the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) to award $1.2 million for six projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems.
“Projects funded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program are building strength and resilience in Nevada’s 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 Nevada’s support strengthening local and regional agricultural supply chains.”
Through this program, the NDA will fund six projects, including two Infrastructure Grants and four Equipment Grants to support middle of the supply chain infrastructure.
Examples of funded projects:
- Anderson Dairy in Las Vegas, Nev., is receiving an infrastructure grant to increase capacity and processing of Nevada dairy to support regional milk producers and farmers. The improvements will ensure there is uninterrupted movement of critical dairy commodities and seed/feed infrastructure within in the middle of the supply chain.
- Blue Lizard Farm in Caliente, Nev., is using funding to purchase modernized produce cleaning, packing and cold storage equipment. This will expand the farm’s processing capacity, allow for an increase in overall production, and improve food safety.
- Kerr Farms in Las Vegas, Nev., is receiving a RFSI grant to build a comprehensive and efficient processing and storage facility that will enable Kerr Farms to streamline production, reduce their carbon footprint, and improve the work environment.
“Supply chain infrastructure is of critical importance, especially here in Nevada,” said NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea. “Nevada’s agriculture industry has seen significant challenges in the food supply chain infrastructure, particularly in instances of critical emergencies. This funding will help producers throughout the state and support Nevada food getting onto more tables.”
This awarded funding is part of the $420 million available through the RFSI grant program to build capacity within the middle of the supply chain and support local and regional producers. It is funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan. Through this program, AMS has entered into cooperative agreements with state agencies, commissions, or departments responsible for agriculture, commercial food processing, seafood, or food system and distribution activities or commerce activities in states or U.S. territories.
For more information, visit the AMS Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure webpage. The status of each state and territory’s RFSI program is available on the program’s State Grant Webpage.
AMS administers programs that create domestic and international marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops. AMS also provides the agriculture industry with valuable services to ensure the quality and availability of wholesome food for consumers across the country and globally. AMS services and its significant grant investments create opportunities by supporting American farmers, ranchers and businesses across the supply chain, and drive economic development in small towns and rural communities.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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