Last year the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) was awarded funding from USDA AMS through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program. In addition to providing sub-award grants to Arizona-based food and farm businesses (awards to be announced soon!!) Supply Chain Coordination activities will take place over the next three years to support expanding local, regional, and statewide capacity for middle-of-the-supply chain (after foods have been harvested and before they reach consumers).
To learn more about the RFSI program, visit the AZDA's RFSI website.
To learn more about the RFSI program, visit the AZDA's RFSI website.
Supply Chain Coordination
- Food SafetyNow available for viewing: Introductory webinar on food safety with Dr. Masek, Food Safety Projects Coordinator at Arizona Department of Agriculture, as part of the ongoing Supply Chain Coordination activities within the Arizona Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI).
This webinar will provide you with a foundation and equip you with knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of food safety regulations. Explore the critical role of food safety in building market readiness for your operation. A strong food safety program can: - Enhance consumer trust - Reduce risk of recalls - Increase operational efficiency - Open doors to new markets Watch to learn about the essential steps in developing a comprehensive food safety program. This webinar is perfect for those who are new to food safety, looking to strengthen their existing program, or who provide support to local/regional food producers & food hubs/cooperatives |
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Archive: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Archive: RFSI Info Session (12.18.2023)
Passcode is case sensitive: xEV.8u6=
Archive: RFSI Grant Writing Resources
- Tools for Accessing the Application
- How to download dynamic PDF files (video)
- How to obtain a UEI on Sam.gov (video)
- NEW! eCivis Grant Portal Demo (video)
- NEW! It appears that some are having trouble logging into eCivis when using a web browser other than Chrome, AND/OR if pop-up and third party cookie blockers are enabled. If you experience this issue, please log in using Chrome and check your pop-up/cookie settings.
- After creating your eCivis login, and creating your eCivis profile, be sure to return to the home page SEO: https://tinyurl.com/RFSI-SEO or IG: tinyurl.com/RFSI-IG to log back into your eCivis profile to upload your application.
- If you are still having trouble, please reach out to us for advanced troubleshooting. We will monitor emails throughout the evening of 3/1 to the best of our ability.
- Data Tools
- NEW! Community Input Summary Report - This report can be used as a reference for identifying program priorities to which project proposals should be connected
- Report "Live Link" - for online viewing
- Downloadable Report - PDF file format for downloading/printing
- Executive Summary & Title
- Executive Summary & Title Guidance Document
- Writing Examples
- Executive Summary Examples from Local Food Promotion Program - Please note these examples are from a different USDA grant program and are NOT related to RFSI. There is a 250 word limit for the RFSI Executive Summary
- NEW! Critical Resources and Infrastructure Letter
- Critical Resources Guidance Document - This document is intended to provide additional guidance for applicants when completing their Critical Resources and Infrastructure Letter(s)
- NEW! Expected Performance Measures
- Self-Certification for Reduced Match
- Resources for Calculating Match Requirements
- Calculating Volunteer Rate for Match
- Infrastructure grant (IG) Budget Worksheet- Example - All data entered in this example are for illustration purposes only
- Infrastructure grant (IG) Budget Worksheet- Editable Spreadsheet - This document is intended be be used as a tool to build the project budget. It is not a part of the application documentation itself. Applicants will need to transfer data into the Project Proposal dynamic PDF file.
Volunteer Opportunities for Non-Applicants
- RFSI Grant Review Panel Interest Form - Arizona food producers and food organizations/businesses have been hard at work preparing their RFSI project proposals, and a team of thoughtful reviewers is needed to recommend projects for funding by the Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA). Qualities reviewers will bring to the table:
- Not involved with any RFSI project proposals as the applicant (supporting partners may be eligible to serve, depending on the circumstances)
- Involvement in the Arizona Food System, or other relevant experience. A diverse panel perspective is preferred (growers, community partners, food banks, schools, culinary, distribution, aggregation/co-ops, food coalitions, supply chain, AZ markets, facilities/construction, project management, etc.)
- Ability to commit to the grant reviewing timeline (estimated time: 9-13 hours total), including an in-person Evaluation meeting in the metro Phoenix area (remote attendance is possible with appropriate technical capabilities, but in-person is preferred)
- Please submit your interest form 3/2/2024
