USDA opens $27.7M in grants for farmers markets, direct-to-consumer programs

USDA just announced $32.4 million in grant funding is now available through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) to support local farm market operations and public-private food partnerships.

Of the total amount, $27.68 million is allocated to the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP). The funding supports farm market operators and related direct-to-consumer outlets, and FMPP specifically funds projects that develop, coordinate and expand local farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, agritourism activities and online direct-to-consumer sales platforms. LFPP supports businesses that act as intermediaries—such as food hubs, shared-use kitchens, and food incubators—connecting producers to consumers.

The remaining $4.71 million is available through the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) program. USDA says it supports public-private partnerships focused on strengthening relationships among producers, processors, distributors, and institutional buyers.

The grant programs are administered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and are funded through the 2018 Farm Bill. Applicants are required to provide a 25% cash match of the federal funds requested.

Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 5, 2026. Late applications will not be considered unless accompanied by documentation of extenuating circumstances.

More information about each program is available at:

• FMPP: www.ams.usda.gov/fmpp
• LFPP: www.ams.usda.gov/lfpp
• RFSP: www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp

Program-specific questions can be directed to:

• FMPP/LFPP: FMLFPPGrants@usda.gov
• RFSP: IPPGrants@usda.gov