The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced that it is now accepting applications for the second round of Wisconsin Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program Equipment-Only Grants. Interested parties must submit their applications by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025. The selection will be made through a competitive review process.

This grant opportunity is not available to those who have previously received RFSI Infrastructure and Equipment-Only Grant awards. The program's goal is to enhance capacity and infrastructure for various food supply chain activities, including aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products. These products include specialty crops, dairy, grains intended for human consumption, aquaculture products, and other value-added food items. Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

In this second round of grants, simplified Equipment-Only Grants range from $10,000 to $99,999. They are intended to fund equipment for middle-of-the-food-supply-chain activities in four categories: food processing equipment; cold storage; forklifts and skid steers; and special-purpose delivery vehicles. Eligible equipment can be new, used or refurbished but must be purchased by December 31, 2025. No matching funds are required for these grants.

Proposals submitted for RFSI grants should aim to expand the capacity of the middle-of-the-food-supply-chain for locally and regionally produced foods while providing more and better market opportunities for small and mid-sized agricultural producers.