News
USDA opens local and regional food grants
More than $90 million dollars in grants are available from USDA as part of coronavirus assistance to local and regional food producers.
The agency says through the Local Agriculture Market Program, created in the 2018 Farm Bill, producers can access grants to develop, coordinate and expand direct-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets, and value-added ag products.
Projects are also encouraged that assist underserved local and regional ag communities in responding to COVID-19 disruptions and impacts.
Nearly $77 million of the funding is directed to projects under the Farmers Market Promotion Program and Local Food Promotion Program, while more than $15 million is earmarked for Regional Food System Partnerships.
