USDA Awards $26.8M to Support Local and Regional Food Markets

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $26.8 million in grants to support local and regional food systems through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP). The program helps farmers connect with consumers, expand market access and strengthen local food enterprises. LAMP includes the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) and the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP).

Funding Supports Farmers and Local Markets

“Part of our efforts to put Farmers First is to boost demand for locally grown food and connect our farmers to these growing regional markets,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “The Local Agriculture Market Program is an important part of USDA’s work to grow strong local and regional food systems. This funding is putting Farmers First by helping them connect with new markets, strengthening their businesses and boosting economic resilience in rural communities. At the same time, it gives families better access to fresh, locally grown food, making it easier for everyone to enjoy healthy meals while supporting the farmers who grow them.”

Breakdown of Grants

• Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP): Nearly $11.1 million awarded to 43 projects in 28 states and territories. This program supports producer-to-consumer markets, including farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism, community-supported agriculture and online sales.
• Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP): Nearly $11.1 million awarded to 37 projects in 24 states and territories. LFPP funds local and regional food businesses that act as intermediaries in producer-to-consumer marketing. Projects focus on processing, aggregation, distribution, storage, value-added product development and regional food chain coordination.
• Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP): About $4.7 million awarded to seven partnerships in 10 states. RFSP supports collaborations between local food businesses and institutions such as schools, hospitals and government facilities to increase local foods in cafeterias and meal programs.

Program Administration

LAMP and its accompanying grant programs are administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and funded through the 2018 Farm Bill. Projects require a 25% cost share of federal funds requested. The AMS works to expand market opportunities for U.S. agricultural products while increasing consumer access to fresh, healthy foods.

These grants aim to support the development, coordination and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets, value-added products and enterprises. Farmers interested in applying or learning more about LAMP programs can visit the AMS LAMP webpage.