A significant collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture has resulted in a $4.1 million allocation for 26 projects under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program. This initiative aims to enhance supply chain resilience and bolster local and regional food systems by funding infrastructure and equipment projects. Commissioner Hugh Weathers emphasized the importance of diversification and local involvement in strengthening the American food supply chain.

The grants will focus on expanding capacities related to aggregation, processing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced goods, excluding meat, poultry, and wild-caught seafood. Projects include cold storage expansions, commercial kitchen establishments, and improved logistics solutions for local producers.

Empowering Local Agribusinesses with Diversified Resources

This section explores how the RFSI program empowers local agribusinesses by providing diversified resources to meet market demands. By supporting infrastructure and equipment projects, the initiative strengthens supply chain resilience while enabling businesses to scale up operations and access new markets. The program underscores the value of local participation in building adaptable food systems.

Through strategic investments in essential facilities such as cold storage and processing equipment, the RFSI grants aim to address existing gaps in the supply chain. For instance, the Catawba Farm and Food Coalition is enhancing rural capabilities through expanded cold storage and delivery vehicles, facilitating efficient product handling and distribution. Similarly, RobinHood Group's establishment of a commercial kitchen in Union addresses the lack of adequate facilities for processing local produce, empowering producers to create value-added products and diversify their offerings. These efforts not only improve operational efficiency but also open doors to new market opportunities for local farmers and entrepreneurs.

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Supply Chain Operations

This segment highlights innovative solutions introduced by the RFSI program to ensure sustainable and efficient supply chain operations. By addressing critical areas like storage and transportation, the initiative supports local producers in optimizing their processes and reaching broader markets. Such advancements contribute significantly to the overall adaptability and strength of regional food systems.

Ridgeville Okra Company in Dorchester County exemplifies this approach by partnering with local producers to expand product distribution into new markets statewide using refrigerated delivery vehicles. This ensures both efficiency and freshness throughout the supply chain. Meanwhile, Old Tyme Bean Co. is tackling supply chain challenges with enhanced storage and processing capabilities, investing in processing equipment and cold storage solutions. These measures enable Midlands farmers to bring their crops to market more effectively via streamlined and environmentally conscious processing operations. Collectively, these projects reflect a commitment to fostering resilient, sustainable, and innovative food systems across South Carolina.