Getting Familiar With the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program: A Comprehensive Guide

The Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP) has been a boon for both consumers and producers in the United States. Established by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), this program fuels the growth of local and regional food systems by offering funds to agricultural producers, farmers markets, and other local food business enterprises. It empowers communities and fosters local economic growth while promoting healthy, sustainable food systems.

Please note this information is meant to guide and support you in applying for and understanding the program. We are not a government entity. Our team takes pains to provide accurate and comprehensive information to help you take advantage of assistance programs such as FMLFPP.

Overarching Goal of FMLFPP

The ultimate purpose of the FMLFPP is to support direct producer-to-consumer marketing, promote the development of local and regional food business enterprises, and encourage new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations. By funding eligible projects, this program aims to expand consumer access to fresh, locally grown food items and create healthier, stronger communities.

Understanding the Two Subprograms of FMLFPP

FMLFPP comprises two competitive grant programs - the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP).

Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP)

The FMPP aims to increase domestic consumption of, and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products. This is achieved by developing, improving, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to, or assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of, domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.

Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP)

On the other hand, the LFPP supports the promotion and development of new or improved local and regional food business enterprises that process, distribute, aggregate, store, and market locally or regionally produced food products.

Details of Program Assistance

Each program offers specific types of financial assistance to successful applicants:

• Under FMPP, grant funds can be used for a wide range of projects that are in line with the program’s objectives, such as training and education, conducting feasibility studies, developing business plans, establishing farmers markets, and implementing promotional campaigns.
• LFPP offers two types of projects, planning projects and implementation projects. Planning projects could include feasibility studies and business planning, while implementation projects could comprise of the establishment of a new facility for local and regional food system businesses, or to expand an existing facility to accommodate increased food production.

Eligibility and Requirements for FMLFPP grants

To be eligible for these grant opportunities, applicants need to meet certain requirements. Below are the core eligibility criteria for both FMPP and LFPP:

• Applicants must be domestic entities owned, operated, and located within the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
• Economic or community development corporations, agricultural cooperatives or businesses, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public health corporations, and institutions of higher education are among the entities that can apply.
• Individuals, federal, state and local government entities, and foreign entities are NOT eligible.
• Proposed projects must benefit more than one farmer, producer, or rancher; the program does not fund individual farms or ranches, and the projects must have a community-wide impact.
• The project work plan should clearly demonstrate how the activities will have a positive impact on local food systems and should bring producers and consumers closer together.
• Matching Funds: LFPP applicants must provide 25% of the total project cost. FMPP does not require a match.

Application Process for FMLFPP

The application process for the FMLFPP grants is transparent and straightforward. Applicants are required to submit a detailed project proposal through www.grants.gov, the centralized location to find and apply for federal funding opportunities.

Your project plan should clearly outline your project’s activities and their anticipated impacts. It will also need to detail your project's timeline, work plan, budget plan, and the outcomes expected from project implementation. Successful applications typically possess well-defined objectives, feasible plans of action, and thorough budget justifications.

The project period for both FMPP and LFPP is not to exceed 36 months (3 years). Funded projects should be completed within this timeframe.

Additional Resources

For more specific questions or for technical assistance regarding the application process, you may contact the USDA's FMLFPP staff directly. The USDA also provides webinars and other educational resources on their website to help potential applicants navigate the application process.

Navigating the Future of Local Foods through FMLFPP

The Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program remains a vital tool for reinforcing existing food systems, sparking innovative new economic models, and fostering healthy communities. By applying for the FMLFPP grants, you are not only promoting the welfare of local farmers and food enterprises, but you are also contributing to a more sustainable and resilient food system for generations to come. As consumers, realizing the value of this program underscores the significance of supporting local food businesses and understanding the path our food takes from farm to table.