WASHINGTON, DC - Local and regional food systems within the United States are gaining a financial boost. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced through its Agricultural Marketing Service that it would be funding $64 million in grants for 185 different projects.

“These grant programs provide crucial funding for projects, including farm-to-institution efforts, that will improve community access to fresh, locally sourced food and strengthen market opportunities for local and regional food producers,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “USDA is committed to supporting states and territories as they administer these programs across the nation.”

According to the release, the funding will be distributed through the Local Agriculture Market Program’s (LAMP) Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Programs (FMLFPP), and the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) grant program.

These projects will support the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing; local and regional food markets and enterprises; and value-added agricultural products.

To learn more about these projects, click here.

Keep clicking back to ANUK as we continue to keep you up to date.

United States Department of Agriculture