(NAFB.com) – USDA’s Ag Marketing Service announced a cooperative agreement with Oklahoma under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program. Through the agreement, USDA and Oklahoma are working to offer over $6.3 million in competitive grant funding for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain. In May 2023, USDA announced the availability of up to $420 million through the RFSI program to strengthen local and regional food systems. “This partnership between USDA and Oklahoma is allowing critical funding to reach areas of the supply chain that need it most,” says Jenny Moffitt, USDA Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. Funded projects in Oklahoma will increase cold storage, expand distribution channels for food producers, and increase the number of co-packing options. “These projects will create new opportunities for the region’s small and midsize producers to thrive, expand access to nutritious food options, and increase supply chain resiliency,” Moffitt adds.