USDA allocates $26.8 million to expand local food markets for farmers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced more than USD 26.8 million in grants to support projects that help farmers connect with local and regional markets. The funding will be distributed through the Local Agriculture Market Program, an initiative designed to expand producer-to-consumer marketing, strengthen regional food systems, and support local food enterprises.

According to Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins, the program aims to boost demand for locally produced food while helping farmers diversify their sales channels and strengthen rural economies. The initiative also seeks to improve consumer access to fresh food by supporting marketing networks that link producers with communities, institutions, and regional buyers.

The funding includes nearly USD 11.1 million for 43 projects under the Farmers Market Promotion Program across 28 states and territories, supporting outlets such as farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism, and online sales. Another USD 11.1 million will fund 37 projects under the Local Food Promotion Program in 24 states and territories, focusing on activities such as food processing, aggregation, storage, and distribution for regional supply chains. An additional USD 4.7 million will go to seven partnerships across 10 states through the Regional Food System Partnerships program, which encourages collaboration between food producers and institutions such as schools, hospitals, and government agencies.

The Local Agriculture Market Program is administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and funded through the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. Grant recipients are required to provide a 25% cost share alongside federal funds.