Nearly $27M in federal funds to fuel sales, distribution operations

More than $26.8 million in federal grants is aimed at expanding local and regional food markets and strengthening direct-to-consumer sales channels.

The projects are being funded through the USDA’s Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), which includes three separate funding mechanisms.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) is distributing nearly $11.1 million to 43 projects across 28 states and territories. FMPP supports initiatives that expand producer-to-consumer outlets such as farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism operations, community-supported agriculture programs and online sales platforms.

Additional LAMP funding includes nearly $11.1 million through the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) to 37 projects supporting the processing, aggregation, distribution and storage of local and regional food products, developing value-added products and facilitating regional food chain coordination.

Another $4.7 million through Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) will build partnerships that connect local producers with institutions such as schools, governments and hospitals.

LAMP grants are administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and require a 25% cost share amount of requested funds from recipients.