Grant applications due May 16 for USDA local food programs

Grant applications are due in May for two USDA programs that promote local food.

In fiscal year 2022, the USDA’s Local Agriculture Market Program, or LAMP, will receive a total of $97 million in competitive grant funding to help local and regional food entities develop, coordinate and expand producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets, and local food enterprises, according to a news release.

The total includes $65 million of supplemental American Rescue Plan funding and $32 million in funds provided through the 2018 Farm Bill, the release said. 

The release said the ARP funding will promote competition and create more and better markets for local and regional food producers by expanding and strengthening opportunities to sell to institutions, such as universities, hospitals and settings operated by local, tribal and state governments. 

Of the $97 million, LAMP’s Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program will receive $57 million and the Regional Food System Partnerships will receive $40 million, according to the release.

More information about the grants will be provided during webinars for the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program on April 5 and the Regional Food System Partnerships on April 6. Webinar registration is available at https://sustainableagriculture.net/blog/usda-opens-latest-round-of-funding-to-support-local-and-regional-food-economy-development-projects/.

Applications must be submitted electronically through www.grants.gov by May 16, the release said.