Updates + Information from the USDA

There’s been quite a bit of news (and funding) coming through from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service in the past several weeks, it can be hard to keep track of! We compiled a list of opportunities and information that might be relevant for you here and will update this page as we get more information. In the meantime, we encourage you to follow AMS on social media and sign up for their newsletters. Visit their website here.

In addition to the below, the USDA is also seeking public comments on identifying barriers in USDA programs and services to advance racial justice and equity for underserved communities. Instructions for providing comments and feedback can be found at this link. Comments are due by July 15, 2021.

Feel free to share widely!

Grants

• Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant – AMS announced $55.2 million available to fund MPIRG projects. Another ~$10 million is available for administration. Applications are being accepted through August 2, 2021.
• Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives – RFA’s are being accepted through August 30, 2021. Application information is here.
• Pandemic Readiness and Safety Grants – See USDA Announces Additional Aid to Ag Producers and Businesses in Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative for overview. A funding announcement is anticipated shortly.

Billions set aside to invest in the food system

• USDA to Invest More Than $4 Billion to Strengthen Food System (Official Press Release)
• USDA to Invest $1 Billion to Purchase Healthy Food for Food Insecure Americans and Build Food Bank Capacity (Official Press Release)
  • FNS Food Bank Infrastructure Grants (Up to $100 million)– More information coming.
  • Emergency Food Assistance Program ($500 million)— Important: Producers that sell into the program need to be qualified vendors. See Selling Food to USDA. If Small businesses need assistance, please contact Andrea Lang, [email protected],  202-720-4237.
  • Cooperative Agreements (Up to $400 million) – The cooperative agreements will be will state, tribal, and local entities and focus on product from local and Socially Disadvantaged producers and focus on underserved areas.