By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is now accepting applications for the second round of Equipment Only Grants under the Wisconsin Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025. Awards will be distributed through a competitive review process, and previous recipients of RFSI Infrastructure or Equipment-Only Grants are not eligible to apply.
This USDA-funded initiative supports the expansion of infrastructure and capacity for food supply chain operations that serve locally and regionally produced food.
Eligible activities include aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution of products like specialty crops, dairy, grains for human consumption, aquaculture, and other value-added foods.
In this second round, Equipment-Only Grants will range from $10,000 to $99,999 and target mid-supply-chain needs in four main areas: food processing equipment, cold storage units, forklifts and skid steers, and special-purpose delivery vehicles.
Both new and used (including refurbished) equipment purchases are eligible, but all equipment must be acquired by December 31, 2025. No cost match is required.
All proposals must aim to increase middle-of-the-supply-chain capacity for local and regional food systems while improving market access for small and mid-sized agricultural producers.
To access the full request for proposals and apply, visit: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/AgDevelopment/RFSI.aspx
Photo Credit: wisconsin-doa
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy