Regional Food System Partnerships

The RFSP supports partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems. The RFSP focuses on building and strengthening the viability and resilience of the local or regional food economy. RFSP offers 3 project types: Planning and Design, Implementation and Expansion, and Farm to Institution.

Applicants will work with their partners to promote the development of local or regional food systems. Applicants will coordinate efforts within the partnership to set priorities, connect resources and services, and measure progress towards common goals.

Partnerships are authorized to:
• Determine the size and scope of the local or regional food system in which the project’s goals,
outreach objectives, and eligible activities are to be carried out.
• Coordinate with AMS to receive technical assistance; and
• Conduct outreach and education for potential participation in the partnership agreement and eligible activities.

Partnerships must bring a variety of innovative financial and technical capabilities, demonstrate experience or readiness to work effectively and collaboratively with public and private entities across sectors, and present sustainable and measurable approaches to achieving the project’s goals.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:
Producers
Farmer or Rancher Cooperatives
Producer Networks or Associations
Majority-Controlled Producer-Based Business Ventures
Food Councils
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Networks or Associations
Local Governments
Nonprofit Corporations
Public Benefit Corporations
Economic Development Corporations
Regional Farmers Market Authorities
Tribal Governments

Eligible partners include:
State Agencies or Regional Authorities
Philanthropic Corporations
Private Corporations
Institutions of Higher Education
Commercial, Federal or Farm Credit System Lending Institutions

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