USDA Awards $26.8M for Local Agriculture Market Program

USDA Press Releases

Published March 10th, 2026

Detected March 14th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced over $26.8 million in grant awards through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP). These funds will support projects aimed at connecting farmers to local markets, expanding producer-to-consumer sales, and strengthening regional food systems.

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What changed

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded over $26.8 million in grants through its Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), which includes the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP). These grants are intended to support local and regional food entities in developing and expanding producer-to-consumer marketing, local food markets, and food enterprises. The funding, administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and funded by the 2018 Farm Bill, aims to boost demand for locally grown food and enhance economic resilience in rural communities.

This announcement details the specific amounts awarded to each sub-program and the number of projects funded across various states and territories. While this is an award announcement and not a new regulatory requirement, entities that applied for and received these grants will need to adhere to the terms and conditions of their specific awards, including any cost-share requirements. The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) administers these programs, and further details on funded projects are available via links provided in the press release.

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Press Release

USDA Announces New Funding to Connect Farmers to Local Markets

Published:

March 10, 2026

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(Washington, D.C., March 10, 2026) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it has awarded over $26.8 million to grant projects through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP). The program helps local and regional food entities develop, coordinate, and expand producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets, and local food enterprises. LAMP includes the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP).

“Part of our efforts to put Farmers First is to boost demand for locally grown food and connect our farmers to these growing regional markets. The Local Agriculture Market Program is an important part of USDA’s work to grow strong local and regional food systems,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “This funding is putting Farmers First by helping them connect with new markets, strengthening their businesses, and boosting economic resilience in rural communities. At the same time, it gives families better access to fresh, locally grown food, making it easier for everyone to enjoy healthy meals while supporting the farmers who grow them.”

FMPP is awarding almost $11.1 million to 43 projects FMPP FY2025 Description of Funded Projects across 28 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 almost $11.1 million to 37 projects LFPP FY2025 Description of Funded Projects across 24 states and territories. The program supports local and regional food businesses that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing. The awarded projects focus on activities such as supporting the processing, aggregation, distribution, and storage of local and regional food products; developing value-added products; and facilitating regional food chain coordination.

Through RFSP, about $4.7 million is being awarded to seven partnerships RFSP FY2025 Description of Funded Projects across 10 states. The program supports the development of relationships between local and regional food businesses and institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and governments, to increase local and regional foods in institutional cafeterias and meal programs.

LAMP and its accompanying grant programs are administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and are funded through the 2018 Farm Bill. These programs require a 25% cost share amount of federal funds being requested. For more information, visit the AMS LAMP webpage.

AMS supports U.S. food and agricultural product market opportunities, while increasing consumer access to fresh, healthy foods through applied research, technical services, and congressionally funded grants. These projects will support the development, coordination and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets and enterprises, and value-added agricultural products.

Press Release Release No.: 0042.26