USDA Grants for Local Food Systems

From VAAFM:

The USDA is now accepting applications for three different grants that support the development, coordination and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets and enterprises and value-added agricultural products. Over $93.5 million dollars is available in total.

Special consideration will be given to projects that assist underserved local and regional agricultural businesses, producer networks and associations, and local and tribal government in responding to COVID-19 disruptions and impacts.

$38.5 million is available through the Farmers Market Promotion Program, which supports direct-to-consumer markets like farmers markets and CSAs. The deadline to apply is June 21st.

$38.5 million is available through the Local Food Promotion Program to support indirect-to-consumer markets like food hubs and value-added product incubators. The deadline to apply is June 21st.

$15.3 million is available through the Regional Food System Partnership Program to fund public-private partnerships that build and strengthen viability and resilience of local or regional food economies. The deadline to apply is July 6th.