Phoenix to award grants to improve food supply chain technology

PHOENIX, AZ – The City of Phoenix will begin offering grants to individuals in the food supply chain who are interested in agri-food technology to address the challenges of climate change.

According to City Hall, applications for the agri-food technology innovation grant, which is part of the Phoenix Resilient Food System initiative and funded by ARPA, are open for those interested.

The Office of Environmental Programs has $400,000 available for sustainable businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions and food cooperatives throughout the food system that adopt agri-food technologies and innovations in their operations.

The grant can help develop product prototypes, promote food equity and reduce the food system’s footprint on the environment.

Examples of eligible agri-food technology include farm management software, sensing and Internet of Things (IoT); irrigation/water technology; Agrivoltaics; robotics, agricultural machinery and equipment; R&D; supply chain technologies; innovative foods (cultured meat, new ingredients).

In addition, efforts to mitigate food waste throughout the food system; online grocery store; retail and in-store foodservice technology are included.

Grants to be awarded will range from $1,000 to $99,000 and must be spent by June 30, 2023. Various eligibility requirements will apply and all applications must be submitted by April 25, 2022.

Improving agri-food technology can help producers, distributors, processors, restaurant owners or retailers, as well as food waste recyclers to strengthen their resilience and address climate change.

Source: MEXICONOW Staff