Input Survey: WSDA Local Food Infrastructure, Supply Chain and Market Access Grants

Thank you for your input!

WSDA Regional Markets would like your input on the design of this upcoming grant so that it achieves its purpose. This survey is one in a variety of ways we will be seeking input.

These new grants are intended to improve food supply chain infrastructure and market access for farms, food processors, and food distributors. Approximately half of the funds are specifically prioritized for women, minority, and small business owners. This is a one-time grant opportunity that will be available during 2022 and 2023.

Thank you very much for your time. Any responses you give to any of the questions are helpful!

To learn or share more about this program, please email Laura at lraymond@agr.wa.gov.

Note: These questions are for planning purposes only and responses do not have any impact on any future grant applications you might submit.

Question Title

* 1. What do you think these grants should fund? What needs do you see in your business or community that you think this grant might help with? Select all that apply

Infrastructure improvements on individual farms like coolers, dry storage areas, produce wash/pack facilities, etc.

Equipment for processing businesses such as canning, drying, individually quick frozen processing, meat slaughter or butchery, chopped/cut and bagged produce.

Collaborative regional-scale public-private projects that might include non-profits and public entities to make processing facilities available for many farms such as rentable kitchen space or co-packing services

Equipment for distribution businesses like chilled warehouse space, refrigerated trucks, etc.

Marketing infrastructure such as regional brands, promotions, etc.

Feasibility or planning efforts.

Other (please specify)

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* 2. Other ideas?

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* 3. Do you think you might apply for this grant?

yes

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* 4. What would you want to use the funds for?

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* 5. What type of technical assistance support would help you/your community apply for and be successful with this grant money? Select all that apply.

Help understanding and complying with food safety requirements (like GAP/GHP, HACCP, or Food Processor Licensing)

Food processing science / product development assistance

Help planning food processing facilities or operations

Connecting with producers or processors in my region

For co-packing services

As customers or suppliers for my operations

Assistance with the grant application itself

Project feasibility and/or business planning assistance

Someone who speaks my language/understands my culture to help me throughout the process.

What is your language/culture?

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* 6. What other type of assistance would you want?

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* 7. Most state grants are reimbursement-based. Grantees need to spend money and submit receipts before they receive the grant funds. Would this be a problem for you/your community? Please explain.

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* 8. What sort of accommodations might help make a reimbursement style grant more possible for you?

Connections to a fiscal sponsor

Connections to lenders who could make bridge loans

Other (please explain)

Input Survey: WSDA Local Food Infrastructure, Supply Chain and Market Access Grants

Thank you for your input!

Question Title

* 1. What do you think these grants should fund? What needs do you see in your business or community that you think this grant might help with? Select all that apply

Question Title

* 2. Other ideas?

Question Title

* 3. Do you think you might apply for this grant?

Question Title

* 4. What would you want to use the funds for?

Question Title

* 5. What type of technical assistance support would help you/your community apply for and be successful with this grant money? Select all that apply.

Question Title

* 6. What other type of assistance would you want?

Question Title

* 7. Most state grants are reimbursement-based. Grantees need to spend money and submit receipts before they receive the grant funds. Would this be a problem for you/your community? Please explain.

Question Title

* 8. What sort of accommodations might help make a reimbursement style grant more possible for you?

Question Title

* 9. What else should we know as we create this program?