$3.1 Million Boost Grows Resilient California Food Systems
California’s local food systems are getting a big boost. The USDA and the California Department of Food and Agriculture are teaming up through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program to invest $3.1 million in 37 projects that help small and mid-size growers thrive and give more communities access to healthy CA GROWN foods.
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross says, “One of the goals of the State Board’s ‘Ag Vision for the Next Decade’ is to foster local resilient food systems to provide more consumer access to healthy CA GROWN foods. The USDA funding is important for enhancing market opportunities for small and mid-size growers which also helps local economies!”
These projects cover everything from new packaging equipment to food-waste reduction through dehydration and juicing. Some are turning local harvests into creative foods like tempeh patties, ice-cream cups, fermented veggie drinks, and collard chips. Want to know who’s getting the grants? You can find the full list at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/rfsi/docs/rfsi_2025_Awards.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
