The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, is inviting applications for its Equipment-only Program. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of Maine's food supply chain by providing funding for equipment that supports the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution of food and beverage products produced in Maine. The program specifically targets five categories of agricultural products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains, aquaculture, and specialty food products that incorporate Maine-grown ingredients.

The primary purpose of the RFSI Equipment-only program is to strengthen the middle of the food supply chain in Maine. By providing financial support, the program seeks to expand the capacity of businesses involved in the production and distribution of Maine-produced food and beverages. The funding is intended to facilitate improvements in infrastructure that will ultimately benefit local and regional producers.

Funding for this program ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, with the Department planning to make multiple awards. The grant period is set for two years, with contracts expected to commence on or after March 1, 2025, and all funded activities must be completed by May 24, 2026. This timeline allows applicants to plan and implement their projects effectively.

Eligible applicants include a variety of entities, such as agricultural producers and processors, nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses focused on local and regional supply chains, local and tribal governments, and institutions like schools and hospitals that aim to enhance cooperative infrastructure. All applicants must be domestically owned and have facilities located in Maine. Additionally, applicants must be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the proposed equipment.

Submission requirements for the grant include a detailed proposal outlining the intended use of the funds and how the equipment will contribute to the resilience of the food supply chain. Applicants must also demonstrate that they meet the eligibility criteria, including compliance with the Small Business Administration's size standards for for-profit entities.

The evaluation of applications will be based on several criteria, including the potential impact on the food supply chain, the feasibility of the proposed project, and the applicant's capacity to manage the funded activities. The Department encourages applicants to provide clear and comprehensive responses to application questions to facilitate the evaluation process.

The deadline for submitting applications is October 28, 2024. Interested parties are encouraged to review the program details and prepare their submissions in advance of this date. For further information, applicants can contact Michelle Webb at the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry via email or phone.