INTRODUCTION TO RFSI PROGRAM
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 US Virgin Islands RFSI Program, allocated with $2,070,798 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 wild caught fish, meat, and poultry).
In partnership with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) conducted a competitive solicitation process to distribute funds.
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.
SIGNIFICANCE OF RFSI PROGRAM
The significance of the RFSI Program for the US Virgin Islands lies in its aim to enhance food processing options for local and regional producers across the territory. The primary focus of project funding is on expanding capacity and infrastructure in the middle of the supply chain, thereby strengthening the local food system.
The USDA defines the middle of the food supply chain as activities occurring after the production of the agricultural product but before the product is sold to consumers. These activities encompass the processing, aggregation, and distribution of agricultural products between leaving the field and entering the marketplace. Consequently, grant funds are ineligible for use in cultivations, harvest, or retail marketing of eligible food products.
Infrastructure Grants will range in value from a minimum award of $100,000 and a maximum award of $500,000. Projects must be completed by December 2026.
Infrastructure Grants will fund projects that expand capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted agricultural products.
Simplified Equipment-Only Grants will range in value from a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum award of $100,000 and do not require cost sharing or matching. The Simplified Equipment-Only Grant is a fixed price grant, meaning it will fund only equipment purchases (not associated facility upgrades, staffing, or other costs), and the amount awarded will be equal to the cost of the equipment up to $100,000. All equipment must be purchased prior to December 31, 2025.
2025 Solicitation is now closed.
APPLICATION RESOURCES
OTHER RESOURCES
SOURCE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For more information, please visit the USDA-RFSI website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please contact rfsi@cfvi.net.
This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille,
large print, audiotape, and American Sign Language) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice
and TTY) or
contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
(2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.