STEPHENVILLE — A $749,410 grant funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service has been awarded to Tarleton State University as part of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program.
The RFSI program through the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) aims to help build resilience across the middle of the state’s food supply chain for food crops. The middle of the food supply chain occurs following harvest and before goods are sold at a store or market.
TDA extended an invitation to Tarleton State to submit a proposal for grant consideration.
“Expanding the capacity and distribution methods of locally and regionally produced food products is critical in Texas,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley. “Our university is proud to be involved with such an impactful program. We appreciate the support and leadership of Commissioner Sid Miller in helping make this grant a reality for our region.”
The RFSI program is intended to improve upon and add to local and regional market options for locally or regionally produced food in Texas.
“From the producer all the way to the consumer, it is important to make sure there is no breakdown in our food supply chain,” said Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. “This grant is instrumental in securing the future resilience of our food supply chain, both in Texas and across the nation. I am happy to see this grant go to Tarleton State University, where I know it will be put to good use.”
Tarleton State will facilitate state-led complementary supply chain coordination activities.
“We are honored to be invited by the Texas Department of Agriculture to partner with them on this project,” said Dr. Rupa Iyer, Tarleton State’s Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development. “It is a testament to Tarleton State’s research capacity and ability to contribute to the economic development of our state.”
With cooperative agreements nationally, the USDA is investing $420 million in the RFSI program.
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