The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $32.4 million in grant funding through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) to support the development and expansion of local and regional food systems across the United States. The funding aims to strengthen producer-to-consumer marketing, improve local food supply chains, and support the growth of food enterprises that connect farmers with consumers and institutions. Applications are open through the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service until 5 June 2026.
Of the total funding, $27.68 million is allocated to the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP). FMPP supports direct-to-consumer marketing activities such as farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture, agritourism, and online sales platforms. LFPP focuses on strengthening indirect supply chain infrastructure, including food hubs, shared-use kitchens, and food incubators that help local producers reach broader markets.
An additional $4.71 million is available through the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP), which supports public-private collaborations aimed at building stronger connections between producers, processors, intermediaries, and institutional food buyers. These partnerships are designed to improve coordination across regional food systems and expand market opportunities for local agriculture.
The LAMP initiative is administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and is funded under the 2018 Farm Bill. All grant programs require a 25% cash match from applicants, ensuring shared investment in project outcomes and long-term sustainability of funded initiatives.
Applications must be submitted electronically via grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 5 June 2026. Late or incomplete submissions will only be considered under documented extenuating circumstances, as outlined in USDA’s application policies.
To support applicants, AMS provides webinars, guidance resources, and frequently asked questions to help organisations navigate the application process. Grants management specialists are also available during business hours to respond to queries and assist applicants in improving the quality and competitiveness of their proposals.
