Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced last week that the state will invest more than $5.2 million in 24 projects to enhance food supply chain resilience through the USDA’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant program, including a half-million to Iowa Corn Processors in Glidden. The initiative aims to strengthen Iowa’s food system by expanding markets for small farms and food businesses. Naig says, “By enhancing processing capacity and reinforcing distribution networks, we’re creating more robust pathways for Iowa farmers and small businesses to bring their high-quality Iowa food and ag products to market. As a result, these projects and logistical investments will ultimately help enhance our supply chains, create jobs in rural communities, and grow Iowa’s economy.” Selected projects, chosen from 60 applicants, will improve food processing, distribution, and access to wholesale markets, including schools, hospitals, and grocery stores. Iowa Corn Processors in Glidden received a $500,000 grant, matched with $783,358 in private funding, to install a new high-accuracy bottom-up filler. The new equipment will improve the automation of their packing line, double their shipping capacity, add five new full-time jobs, and increase corn purchases from local farmers by an estimated $4.8 million per year.
