The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated over $33.5 million to 113 projects across 43 states and territories in an effort to bolster local and regional food systems and increase access to locally grown foods. This funding, managed by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), is part of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) and is distributed through the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programs (FMLFPP) and the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) grant program.

USDA’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Jenny Lester Moffitt, highlighted the program’s importance: “The Local Agriculture Market Program strengthens food systems across the country. By investing in these projects, we’re supporting small and mid-sized producers, keeping resources in local communities, and building food system resilience.”

Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programs (FMLFPP)

Under FMLFPP, $14.2 million will support 60 projects in 28 states and territories, with grants focused on expanding producer-to-consumer markets. These grants help farmers develop skills in marketing, fair pricing, agritourism, and new sales channels.

Project Highlight

The University of Wisconsin will use an FMLFPP grant to train 100 direct-to-consumer farmers in financial and business management to help grow their sales and profitability.

Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP)

The LFPP, which emphasizes indirect producer-to-consumer channels, is awarding $14.1 million to 43 projects across 29 states and territories. This funding supports regional food chain development through improved processing, distribution, and storage.

Project Highlight

In Her Shoes, Inc., located in Webb, Mississippi, received an LFPP grant to support 30 small, local farms. The project will provide training for farmers, create a mobile produce market, and improve fresh food access in the Mississippi Delta.

Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP)

With $5.2 million awarded to 10 projects, RFSP strengthens collaborations between local food businesses and institutions such as schools and hospitals. These partnerships aim to boost the presence of locally grown food in cafeterias and meal programs.

Project Highlight

The Southeast Regional Cooperative in Georgia is forming a partnership to streamline transportation and logistics in the local charitable food network. The project will involve food businesses, non-profits, and universities to develop a regional service center, focusing on efficient food distribution and data management.

This latest round of funding continues USDA’s commitment to local and regional food system development, a priority supported by the 2018 Farm Bill and annual appropriations for fiscal year 2024. Through these projects, AMS is facilitating the growth of local food markets, enhancing community access to fresh foods, and promoting economic resilience across the U.S. food supply chain.