The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today awarded over $32.2 million to 99 grant projects that strengthen market opportunities for local and regional food businesses while expanding consumer access to healthy, locally grown food. The funding is distributed through the Local Agriculture Market Program’s (LAMP) Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) grant 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 Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Dudley Hoskins. “By supporting innovative partnerships and market development projects, these investments help farmers grow their businesses, create jobs, and ensure that more food dollars stay in the communities where they are produced.”
FMPP and LFPP strengthen local and regional food systems by supporting projects that connect farmers with more customers and new market opportunities. This funding helps farmers and food businesses improve marketing, attract and retain customers, expand agritourism activities, and build skills in areas such as recordkeeping and pricing.
This year, FMPP is awarding $13.8 million to 45 projects across 26 states and territories. The program funds projects that support producer-to-consumer markets such as farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism activities, community-supported agriculture programs, and online sales.
LFPP is awarding $13.8 million to 46 projects across 29 states and territories. The program helps farmers reach more customers by supporting the businesses and organizations that process, distribute, store, market, and sell local and regional food products. Funded projects will also support the development of value-added products and strengthen coordination across regional food supply chains.
Through RFSP, $4.6 million is being awarded to eight partnerships across eight states. The program helps build partnerships between local and regional food businesses and institutions such as schools, hospitals, and government agencies. These partnerships work to increase the use of locally and regionally produced foods in cafeterias, meal programs, and other institutional food services.
LAMP and its accompanying grant programs are funded through the 2018 Farm Bill. More information is available on the AMS LAMP webpage.
Source : usda.gov