The US Department of Agriculture has announced that over $26.8 million has been awarded to grant projects to connect local markets with farmers. The projects were funded through the Local Agriculture Market Program which includes the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Regional Food System Partnerships and the Local Food Promotion Project.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said, “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. 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.”
The programs are administered under the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and are funded through the 2018 Farm Bill with programs requiring a 25% cost share of the federal funds requested through the programs. More details can be found at the AMS LAMP Website.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.