Local and Regional Food Systems Development

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced approximately $26 million for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) grants to help local and regional food organizations develop, coordinate, and expand producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets, and local food enterprises. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications for the grant program until May 14, 2024. 

LAMP funds projects that increase the availability of locally grown food and develop new markets for local and regional food system stakeholders, farmers markets, and food hubs. It includes 3 parts:

Farmers Market Promotion Program and Local Food Promotion Program.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program and the Local Food Promotion Program develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food systems. The Farmers Market Promotion Program supports producer-to-consumer markets such as farmers markets, roadside stands, and online sales. The Local Food Promotion Program supports local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer to consumer marketing.

Regional Food System Partnerships Program

The Regional Food System Partnerships program supports public-private partnerships that build and strengthen viability and resilience of local or regional food economies. Projects focus on increasing the availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products and alleviating unnecessary administrative and technical barriers.

Sen. Smith has long been supportive of alleviating the burden for local farmers and producers. She cosponsors the Local Farms and Food Act to make it easier for farmers to sell their products locally and simplify the grant application process for LAMP programs.

Applications must be submitted through www.grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 14, 2024. To learn more about the programs and how to apply, visit https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lamp