PIERZ — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service announced it has partnered with Minnesota to award $9.5 million through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain and strengthen local and regional food systems.
Through this program, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will fund 11 Infrastructure Grant projects to support middle of the supply chain infrastructure, including $530,483.56 awarded to Midwest Processors in Pierz.
Midwest Processors, a family- and farmer-owned processor of sunflowers, will purchase milling and screening equipment, install conveyors and temporary storage, and integrate packaging into the production line. The infrastructure investments will allow Midwest Processors to enhance value throughout the supply chain through innovative upcycling of sunflower meal into high-protein meal, establishing access to premium markets for Minnesota producers.
Other projects receiving funding are in Bongards, Melrose, Rushford, Albert Lea, Hastings, Minneapolis, Detroit Lakes, Redby, Caledonia and Wrenshall.
“Projects funded through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program are building strength and resilience in Minnesota’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 in a news release. “USDA is grateful for Minnesota’s support strengthening local and regional agricultural supply chains.”
“We thank the USDA for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program which benefits Minnesota businesses, farmers, and consumers by investing in the middle of the food supply chain in our state,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “These grants highlight the diversity of Minnesota’s food and ag sector, as the funding will benefit a wide range of industries, locations, and sizes of organizations and businesses.”
The Infrastructure Grants are part of a program that will fund projects that expand capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transportation, wholesaling, or distribution of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. Funding for the RFSI Program is authorized by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan.
In addition to the grant awards, free technical assistance is available to producers, businesses, cooperatives, and other organizations that are part of the middle of the food supply chain in Minnesota through the RFSI Program. Assistance will be available until Spring 2027.
Technical assistance services are focused on:
- Supply chain coordination
- Food business development
- Market development services for local and regional food products
- Consultation on grant applications and grant administration guidance
For more information, visit the MDA’s