The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program is a competitive grant opportunity administered by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This program offers over $2.1 million in funding to support the development and expansion of infrastructure that strengthens the middle of the food supply chain in Connecticut. The program is specifically designed to increase resilience by enhancing the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products.
The grant excludes funding for meat and poultry projects but includes support for specialty crops, dairy, aquaculture, grains intended for human consumption, and other food products. This initiative aims to increase capacity across the supply chain, reduce vulnerabilities, and improve access to Connecticut-grown food.
There are two distinct funding tracks within the program: the Infrastructure Grant Program and the Equipment Only Grant Program. The Infrastructure Grant Program offers awards ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 and includes a required cost share of 50 percent, though this is reduced to 25 percent for qualifying applicants. Projects must demonstrate a broad benefit to more than one producer or organization, indicating a collaborative or systemic impact.
The Equipment Only Grant Program provides smaller awards ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. This grant type does not require a match and may support projects that benefit a single entity or multiple producers or organizations. The flexibility of this grant type is intended to lower barriers for participation, especially for smaller businesses or organizations needing essential equipment to scale their operations or improve efficiency.
An informational webinar was held on March 5, 2025, and both the recording and presentation slides have been made available to assist applicants. Although specific application deadlines and processes were not included in the source, applicants are encouraged to consult the Connecticut Department of Agriculture website and program contact for full application instructions and deadlines.
For more details, potential applicants should review the application forms and supporting documents provided by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. This program represents an important investment in the regional food system’s infrastructure and aims to create a more equitable and resilient food economy across the state.
