By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of $32.4 million in grant funding through its Local Agriculture Market Program. The funding will help expand local and regional food markets and improve connections between farmers food businesses and consumers.
The program supports three grant opportunities. The Farmers Market Promotion Program focuses on direct marketing methods including farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism community supported agriculture and online sales. These efforts help farmers sell products directly to buyers.
The Local Food Promotion Program supports indirect marketing systems. It funds projects such as food hubs shared use of kitchens and food incubators. These facilities help food producers store processes and distribute products more efficiently.
The Regional Food System Partnerships program encourages collaboration between farmers, processors, distributors and institutions like schools and hospitals. These partnerships help improve food distribution networks and regional economic growth.
A total of $27.68 million is available through the farmers market and local food promotion programs while $4.71 million is dedicated to regional partnerships. All projects require a cash match equal to 25% of the requested grant amount.
The grants are administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and funded through the 2018 Farm Bill. Applications must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov by 11 59 p.m. Eastern Time on June 5, 2026.
USDA is also offering educational webinars guidance materials and technical support to help applicants succeed. These grants aim to expand access to fresh healthy foods and build stronger local food systems throughout the United States.
Applicants can access program pages and support resources. Farmers Market Promotion Program details are available at, www.ams.usda.gov/fmpp and questions can be sent to FMLFPPGrants@usda.gov.
Local Food Promotion Program information is available at www.ams.usda.gov/lfpp. Regional Food System Partnerships information can be found at www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp with assistance available via IPPGrants@usda.gov.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National