Six projects across Nevada receive grants through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program to enhance processing capacity, support local producers, and improve supply chain stability.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has teamed up with the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) to allocate $1.2 million for six projects aimed at reinforcing local and regional food systems. The funding, distributed through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI), focuses on addressing vulnerabilities in the middle of the supply chain to enhance food system resilience.

The program will support six initiatives in Nevada, comprising two Infrastructure Grants and four Equipment Grants, targeting infrastructure improvements critical to food production and distribution.

These grants are intended to diversify agricultural markets, create new revenue sources for small and mid-sized producers, and bolster the state’s food economy. According to a USDA press release, the collaboration highlights a shared commitment to strengthening agricultural supply chains at local and regional levels.

Among the projects funded through this initiative is Anderson Dairy in Las Vegas, which will utilize an infrastructure grant to enhance dairy processing capabilities. These improvements are expected to support regional milk producers and ensure uninterrupted movement of essential dairy commodities.

Another recipient, Blue Lizard Farm in Caliente, will use the funding to modernize its produce cleaning, packing, and cold storage equipment, aiming to expand processing capacity and boost food safety. Similarly, Kerr Farms in Las Vegas has been awarded a grant to construct a state-of-the-art processing and storage facility, designed to increase efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and create a better working environment.

“Supply chain infrastructure is of critical importance, especially here in Nevada,” stated NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea. He emphasized that the state’s agricultural sector has faced significant challenges in maintaining supply chain stability during emergencies, and this funding will provide crucial support to producers across the region.

The RFSI program, which is part of the larger $420 million initiative funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, aims to build capacity within the supply chain and support local producers. AMS has entered into cooperative agreements with state agencies and other relevant bodies to facilitate the program. Through this partnership, the USDA and NDA seek to provide economic opportunities for communities, promote agricultural sustainability, and ensure that Nevada’s food supply can better meet the demands of local and regional markets.