COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) is hosting a listening call Wednesday, June 28, to get feedback regarding the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) cooperative agreement -- a federal program meant to build resilience in the middle of the food chain while providing farmers and food producers access to more and better markets, fair prices, and new and safe job opportunities.
The call is an opportunity for small and underserved business owners, historically underserved farmers or ranchers, and other businesses that qualify under the Small Business Administration (SBA) categories of small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses, and veteran-owned small businesses -- anyone in the South Carolina agricultural industry -- to talk about what they believe are the greatest challenges and needs facing the middle-of-the-food-supply-chain, including infrastructure needs, food access barriers, and supply-chain needs.
The information gained from this call will assist in developing the state plan for the South Carolina RFSI Program. At a later date, the SCDA will be taking applications for infrastructure grants that can be used for projects that would bolster the state's food chain infrastructure -- such as expanding growing/production capacity, modernizing equipment, new construction, improving operations, and developing sustainable energy solutions. Applicants will be able to apply for a minimum of $100,000 and a maximum of $3 million.
To join Wednesday’s call at 2 p.m., dial 1-800-285-6670. Please note that you will be muted upon entry. After the listening session, callers will be able to provide comments and questions, but please note that SCDA will not engage in a question-and-answer portion. Instructions for the call will be given during the introduction of the call.
Public comments will be accepted via email through noon on July 28. Email rfsi@scda.sc.gov and write “RSFI Comment” in the subject line.
