USDA awards $32.2 million to 99 local and regional food projects

The USDA awarded more than $32.2 million to 99 projects aimed at expanding market opportunities for farmers and local food businesses while improving consumer access to locally produced food.

The funding, announced Nov. 5, was distributed through three grant programs under the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP): the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) and Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP).

FMPP received $13.8 million for 45 projects across 26 states and territories. The grants support direct producer-to-consumer markets, including farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism operations, community-supported agriculture programs and online sales.

LFPP received $13.8 million for 46 projects across 29 states and territories. The funding supports businesses and organizations involved in processing, distributing, storing, marketing and selling local and regional foods. Projects will also focus on value-added products and coordination across regional food supply chains.

RFSP received $4.6 million for eight partnerships across eight states. The program connects local and regional food businesses with institutions such as schools, hospitals and government agencies to increase the use of locally produced food in cafeterias and meal programs.

“The Local Agriculture Market Program advances USDA’s commitment to putting farmers first by helping producers develop new markets for their products, strengthen local and regional supply chains, and increase economic opportunities in agricultural communities across the country,” said Dudley Hoskins, USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs.

The grant programs are funded through the 2018 Farm Bill and administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS).