The USDA has awarded $1 million to 17 Oregon projects through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure program.

The grants, announced Oct. 22, will help Oregon producers with processing, manufacturing and transportation.

A new blueberry sorter

Springbank Farm outside Lebanon sells blueberries and other products at its farm stand, farmers markets and to grocery stores, schools and hospitals.

The business was awarded $84,000 for a new sorter.

“Our existing sorter is an antique,” said Michelle O’Driscoll, who owns the business with her husband.

The ancient machine runs continuously every day during the summer and requires four employees. “If we get behind, we have berries we can’t sell,” O’Driscoll said.

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One teen can run the new sorter, which will take 45 minutes with the day’s crop.

The equipment upgrade also will result in a better product since slightly soft fruit can be separated for value-added goods.

Boosting an organic farm

Zephyr Organics of Gales Creek received a $21,000 grant to purchase equipment for washing, longer term storage and processing, such as juicing and jamming.

Owner David Wills-Ehlers said the farm, which relies on subscription boxes, is trying to boost business by expanding late season winter crops and preserving produce.

Wills-Ehlers said the grants increase access to healthy food, support businesses and increase community connections in rural Oregon.

“Taxpayers should be proud of this type of program. It’s a good use of government money,” he said.

Making more chili sauces

Sibeiho, a Singaporean food startup, was awarded $49,000 to purchase a new cooking kettle and other equipment to increase production of its small batch chili sauces.

Other producers sharing space at the General Industries building in Portland can use that kitchen equipment, which will increase purchases from farmers.

“Being able to apply for a grant with the United States government and getting it was amazing because I feel like I won’t be the only one benefitting,” said Sibeiho founder Holly Ong, in a news release.

Other awardees

•Bauman’s Cider of Gervais will receive $100,000 for production bottling and pasteurization.

•Lady-Lane Farm of Mulino received a $100,000 grant to purchase refrigerated delivery truck replacements to maintain and expand distribution of Garry’s Meadow Fresh dairy products.

•Myrtle Creek Farm was awarded $100,000 to increase its flour packaging capacity to meet farm-to-institution demand.

•Eleni Kitchen of Portland was awarded $84,000 to automate and expand an Ethiopian flat bread production line.

•Classic Fruit won an $83,000 grant to create a Columbia Gorge grower and producer value-added, processing and aggregation equipment hub.

•Umpqua Valley Farm to School will receive $83,000 to expand processing capacity for value-added products in Douglas, Coos and Curry counties.

•Sauvie Island Growers of Portland was awarded $81,000 to modernize packing shed equipment for efficient greens processing.

•Groundswell Farm of Langlois will receive $49,000 for material handling equipment to grow rural food hub capacity.

•Red Buttes Farm of Grants Pass will receive $49,000 for a project to increase efficiency, safety and capacity of cold storage.

•Camas Country Mill of Eugene was awarded $46,000 to increase processing capacity.

•Mill Fire Baking of Bend will receive $29,400.

•Clatskanie Farmer Collective won a $27,000 grant.

•Storybook Farm of Sandy was awarded $23,000.

•Play Grow Learn of Portland was awarded $17,000.