Kane County committee unanimously approves USDA grant application to expand food and farm technical assistance

The Kane County Agriculture Committee on July 23 approved a resolution authorizing staff to apply for a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development Grant to expand the county’s food and farm technical assistance program.

The motion, made by Sanchez and seconded by Leonard, passed by voice vote. County planner Matt Tansley told the committee the grant would "allow us to cover staff time and all the other necessary materials to assist specifically 5 farms, but also prepare us to work with another 25 to 30 more to help get them their applications in." The application requested roughly $99,000 — the near-maximum award for planning grants in the Local Food Promotion Program — and includes a match component, Tansley said.

During brief debate members discussed whether the board could preauthorize routine grant applications and how matching requirements complicate rapid application timelines. One staff member suggested creating a earmarked match fund to speed applications when deadlines are tight; the committee asked staff to explore options with legal and finance staff.

The committee recorded votes in the meeting: Allen (aye), Leonard (yes), Sanchez (yes), Roth (yes), and the chair announced the motion "passed." No 'no' votes or abstentions were recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

The measure moves the grant request forward; staff said they expect USDA to announce awards in September and will return with budget amendments if the county is awarded funds.