Please contact the Produce Safety Program to verify you have previously filled out a Grower Questionnaire. You also have the option to newly complete the 2025 Grower Questionnaire at the time of your application.
Please contact the Produce Safety Program to verify you have previously filled out a Grower Questionnaire. You also have the option to newly complete the 2025 Grower Questionnaire at the time of your application.
If you are eligible in more than one funding category, your application will be included in the randomized selection for each round that your application qualifies for.
Example: An applicant's farm was confirmed to be fully covered and subject to routine inspection under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule in 2024. The applicant has also attended a Produce Safety Rule Grower Training.
This application would be entered in the selection round for farms that were confirmed to be fully covered in 2024. If not selected/awarded, they would then be entered into next selection round they are eligible for (the training round, in this case). If not selected/awarded, they would then be entered into the 4th and final round. This round consists of all remaining eligible applicants that haven't been awarded in a previous round.
Depending on what funding categories an application qualifies under, an application could be included in at minimum 1 round but maximum 4 rounds.
If you are eligible in more than one funding category, your application will be included in the randomized selection for each round that your application qualifies for.
Example: An applicant's farm was confirmed to be fully covered and subject to routine inspection under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule in 2024. The applicant has also attended a Produce Safety Rule Grower Training.
This application would be entered in the selection round for farms that were confirmed to be fully covered in 2024. If not selected/awarded, they would then be entered into next selection round they are eligible for (the training round, in this case). If not selected/awarded, they would then be entered into the 4th and final round. This round consists of all remaining eligible applicants that haven't been awarded in a previous round.
Depending on what funding categories an application qualifies under, an application could be included in at minimum 1 round but maximum 4 rounds.
Before the start of each round, all applications will be assigned a random number. This means, if your application will be included in multiple rounds you will not have the same randomized number for each round. By assigning a new randomized number each round, this will ensure applications will receive a fresh opportunity each round they are considered in.
Before the start of each round, all applications will be assigned a random number. This means, if your application will be included in multiple rounds you will not have the same randomized number for each round. By assigning a new randomized number each round, this will ensure applications will receive a fresh opportunity each round they are considered in.
The North Central USDA Regional Food Business Center (RFBC) focuses on expanding small and mid-sized agricultural value chains. Activities include technical assistance to create new value chain connections, expanding supply and demand to and from new and existing markets, improving viability and increasing market value of products, and boosting Upper Midwest regional food systems in response to supply chain weaknesses, small business challenges, and other difficulties exposed and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The RFBC has a large network of partners and service partners that are available to provide technical assistance.
Assistance includes:
- Project development and consultation.
- Food business development services.
- Supply chain development and coordination.
- Grant writing support and grant administration guidance for RFSI, other USDA grant programs, and other third-party financial resources.
- Network referrals to other service providers with appropriate expertise.
Contact the North Central USDA RFBC:
- Find an RFBC technical assistance provider in your area
The North Central USDA Regional Food Business Center (RFBC) focuses on expanding small and mid-sized agricultural value chains. Activities include technical assistance to create new value chain connections, expanding supply and demand to and from new and existing markets, improving viability and increasing market value of products, and boosting Upper Midwest regional food systems in response to supply chain weaknesses, small business challenges, and other difficulties exposed and exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The RFBC has a large network of partners and service partners that are available to provide technical assistance.
Assistance includes:
- Project development and consultation.
- Food business development services.
- Supply chain development and coordination.
- Grant writing support and grant administration guidance for RFSI, other USDA grant programs, and other third-party financial resources.
- Network referrals to other service providers with appropriate expertise.
Contact the North Central USDA RFBC:
- Find an RFBC technical assistance provider in your area
