The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program is currently accepting applications until April 5th for Infrastructure and Equipment-only projects that expand capacity for aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of food products, for specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry. Find more info on the program HERE.
We’ve been asked lots of questions about the program, so we worked with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to develop this list of frequently asked questions. If you’d like help talking through your project or reviewing your application, you can reach out to us at (859) 550-3972 or kcard@kcard.info.
Q: How do I submit my Application for RFSI and who do I address the application to?
A: The application may be addressed to RFSI or Jay Hall and emailed to RFSI@KY.GOV.
Q: When asking for letters of support for my project, who should the letters be addressed to and who should I get letters from?
A: The letters of support should be addressed to the Kentucky RFSI Review Committee, Frankfort, KY. They can be from any person or group that the project will benefit other than the applicant – think about other producers impacted, representatives from your community, etc.
Use this template to get started.
Q: Is there a maximum number of pages for the application?
A: No.
Q: How do I know if I need to apply for Infrastructure or Equipment-only to cover my project?
A: Consider what you would want the grant to pay for. If the answer is only the equipment needed for the project, you should apply for the Equipment-only portion. If the answer is more than the equipment, you would need to apply for the Infrastructure Grant.
Q: What is the expected award date?
A: USDA has shared an expected award date on or about July 25, 2024.
Q: Are delivery vehicles eligible?
A: Specialty use vehicles like vehicles with cold storage are eligible; however, vehicles that could be used for personal or general purposes (even if also expected to be used for the project) are NOT eligible.
Q: How will money be awarded for both grant types?
A: Funds for both grant types, if successful, will be received upfront which can then be used to complete your projects or purchase your equipment, after the award date
Q: What are the qualifications for reduced match? Do I need to attach anything to prove that I qualify for reduced match?
A: For historically underserved farmers and ranchers or for other businesses that qualify under SBA categories of small, disadvantaged business, women-owned small business, or veteran-owned small business, the required match contribution/cost-share is reduced to 25% of the project cost.
Applicants will need to self-certify on the application that they fit in one of these categories; you will not need to attach any kind of verification.
Q: How do I need to show/prove cash match availability? How can I show in-kind match?
A: Applicants must submit one match verification letter for EACH cash or in-kind resource signed by the matching organization. You will need to complete and attach the Verification of Matching Funds Letter: GRANTS_RFSI-Verification-Matching-Funds.docx (live.com)
In-kind match can be contributed as staff wages, lease payments, other infrastructure, etc. that will be contributed to the project.
Q: What is the critical infrastructure letter? Do I need one?
A: A critical infrastructure letter is needed for the Infrastructure grant. This letter is a self-certification that the producer or processor has the necessary infrastructure in place to support the expansion or renovation project.
Th critical infrastructure letter template for reference can be found here.
Q: What attachments are required for submitting the application? Is there a checklist?
A: Attachments that may need to be attached with the application are:
Two (2) letters of support (Equipment-only and Infrastructure)
Verification of Matching Funds letter (for Infrastructure)
Critical Infrastructure letter (for Infrastructure)
Quotes for requested costs (Equipment-only and Infrastructure)
Q: How will applications be scored?
A: Applications will be scored based on the rubric provided by KDA: RFSI_Rubric.pdf (kyagr.com)