In recent developments aimed at bolstering the agricultural supply chain, two significant funding initiatives have been launched to enhance infrastructure resilience in North Carolina and Puerto Rico. These initiatives focus on supporting mid-chain supply segments, which are crucial for the stability and efficiency of supply chains.
In North Carolina, over $6.2 million is available through competitive grants targeting projects that will strengthen the supply chain’s resilience. These projects are designed to expand on-farm cold storage, enhance post-harvest handling capabilities, increase refrigerated transport options, and improve facilities that aggregate farm products. This initiative not only supports the region’s small and midsize producers but also aims to expand access to nutritious food options for underserved communities.
The state is actively seeking applications from entities that prioritize small-scale operations, new and beginning farmers, as well as underserved and veteran producers. The application period is set from May 1 through June 15, providing a window for stakeholders to engage with the program and secure funding for their resilience-building projects.
Similarly, Puerto Rico is set to receive over $3.5 million for projects that focus on amplifying the agricultural infrastructure on the island. This funding will go towards establishing advanced industrial processing facilities, expanding processing capacities, and enhancing wholesale product lines. Additional improvements will be made in packaging and labeling, increasing cold storage capabilities, and acquiring specialized equipment and delivery vehicles.
Applications in Puerto Rico are open until June 30, with the aim of providing substantial support to boost the local agricultural sector and its contribution to the island’s overall supply chain resilience.
These efforts represent a significant push towards creating more robust and reliable supply chains, essential for regional development and the well-being of the communities they serve.
#ICTTMNews #BreakingNews #SupplyChainResilience #AgriculturalFunding #RegionalDevelopment #InfrastructureEnhancement #ResilienceGrants
