Hawaii Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI)

The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program is designed to develop and administer state-coordinated initiatives that enhance resilience in the middle-of-the-supply-chain operations while strengthening local and regional food systems. The Hawaii RFSI Program, allocated with $2,587,480 in funding, prioritizes expanding capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of specific agricultural products (including eggs and honey but excluding meat and poultry). In partnership with the USDA-AMS, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) will conduct a competitive solicitation process to distribute funds across two grant categories. The Infrastructure Grant Program will provide up to $1,587,480 in funding and the Simplified Equipment-Only Grant Program will provide an additional $1,000,000. Applicants have the option to choose either grant offering. Infrastructure grants range in value, ranging from a minimum award of $100,000 to a maximum award of $500,000, with a 50% matching fund requirement (though certain historically underserved groups may qualify for reduced match of 25%). Simplified Equipment-Only grants range from a minimum award of $10,000 to a maximum award of $100,000, with no matching fund requirement. RFSI PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY Eligibility is open to domestically owned entities with facilities physically located within the State of Hawaii, including: -Agricultural producers or processors, and groups thereof. -Nonprofit organizations engaged in middle-of-the-supply-chain activities, such as processing, aggregation, and distribution of designated agricultural products. -For-profit entities involved in middle-of-the-supply-chain activities like processing, aggregation, or distribution of designated agricultural products, with a primarily focus on local and regional producer benefit, and meeting SBA small business size standards. -Local government entities participating in middle-of-the-supply-chain activities, such as processing, aggregation, and distribution of designated agricultural products. -Tribal governments engaged in middle-of-the-supply-chain activities, such as processing, aggregation, and distribution of designated agricultural products. -Institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals that facilitate collaboration among producers or invest in equipment to benefit multiple producers in middle-of-the-supply-chain activities, including processing, aggregation, and distribution of designated agricultural product.