By Scout Nelson
The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) is now accepting applications for the second round of grants under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program. This initiative supports local food and farm businesses by funding equipment that improves food systems in the state.
The program began after Kansas received nearly $6.46 million in 2023 through a cooperative agreement with the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). In the first round, 49 equipment-only grants were distributed in 2024.
In this new round, eligible applicants can receive between $10,000 and $50,000 to purchase equipment. These are fixed-price grants, meaning funds will only be provided for approved equipment purchases. There is no cost-sharing or matching required, making the program more accessible to a wider range of applicants.
All equipment must be purchased by December 31, 2025, as the program is running on an accelerated timeline.
Grants are open to Kansas-based food and farm businesses as well as nonprofit organizations, local governments, tribal entities, and public institutions like schools and hospitals. However, those who received funding in the first round are not eligible this time.
Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on July 18, 2025. Interested applicants must read the official Request for Applications document available on the KDA website to ensure compliance with all program rules.
The selection process will be competitive, and awards will be determined in cooperation with AMS. This effort aims to strengthen Kansas’ food infrastructure by improving access to equipment that supports processing, storage, and distribution.
This grant opportunity offers important support for the state’s food system, helping create more resilient and sustainable agricultural operations across Kansas.
Photo Credit: istock-123ducu
Categories: Kansas, Business