The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service to offer over $1.5 million for “projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain,” according to an announcement from CFVI.
The grants are being offered under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program. “The projects funded through this program will create new opportunities for the region’s small and midsize producers to thrive, expand access to nutritious food options, and increase supply chain resiliency,” said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt.
Successful applications will include projects that “improve food safety, provide training opportunities, and modernize processing and manufacturing equipment” for food producers across the territory, according to a press statement from CFVI.
Two types of grants will be available under the program; infrastructure grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, and smaller equipment-only grants between $10,000 and $100,000. Veteran producers, new and beginning farmers, and limited-resource farmers will be prioritized under the program, CFVI says.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. recognized that “the ability to facilitate storage and processing will greatly contribute to a more sustainable agricultural future in the territory.” He noted that the program aligns with the administration's Vision 2040 initiative.
Interested parties with questions about the application procedure are encouraged to submit them via email. The application period has been extended to December 20.
