Extreme Green Farms Awarded $165,000 RFSI Grant to Expand Local Food Capacity
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries announced this week a major investment into the state’s local food infrastructure. Commissioner Rick Pate and his team awarded Extreme Green Farms a $165,000 grant through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program, a move aimed at improving both storage and transportation of fresh produce.
“The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate and staff provided a grant this week through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program. The grant of $165,000 was presented to Extreme Green Farms, with the goal of allowing the farm to store lettuces more efficiently and for more timely transport across the state. The funds will also allow the farm to support both local retailers and school systems.”
Commissioner Pate emphasized the importance of this kind of support in building resilient and efficient food systems in Alabama.
“Commissioner Pate said, ‘Supporting farms like Extreme Green Farms is critical to strengthening Alabama’s local food system and improving the efficiency of the supply chain. Programs like RFSI help producers expand capacity, reduce transportation challenges and keep locally grown food in Alabama schools and communities.'”
Extreme Green Farms has made a name for itself by connecting fresh, local produce to both consumers and institutions across the region.
“According to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, ‘Extreme Green Farms supplies fresh greens and vegetables to restaurants across Auburn, Montgomery and Columbus, Ga, and participates in farmers markets such as the Auburn City Market. The farm is also an active participant in Alabama’s Farm to School Program and Sweet Grown Alabama, helping connect students to locally grown produce and providing agricultural education.'”
The farm’s impact is significant — especially in schools.
“Weekly, the farm supplies over 11,000 heads of lettuce to seven school districts schools across the state.”
With the help of the RFSI grant, Extreme Green Farms will further expand its capacity to deliver fresh, locally grown food to Alabama’s communities — keeping farm-to-table connections strong and sustainable.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.