The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers several grant programs to support local and regional food systems. In 2025, the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) continue to provide funding opportunities for organizations aiming to enhance food access, market opportunities, and regional food system resilience. These programs are currently accepting applications with a deadline of June 27th .
What are the LAMP Grants?
Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP): This initiative supports and promotes domestic direct marketing channels that connect producers directly with consumers, retailers, restaurants, and institutions. Examples include farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism activities, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and online sales platforms. Projects may be related to:
Encouraging the development of value-added agricultural products;
Developing marketing strategies for producers of local food and value-added products
Facilitating regional food chain coordination development
Promoting new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste
Responding to changing technology needs in direct producer-to-consumer marketing
Covering expenses related to costs incurred in obtaining food safety certification and improvements to food safety practices and equipment.
There are four project types, summarized below from the RFA:
Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP): provides funding for projects that develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food business enterprises that act as intermediaries in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing. Its goal is to improve access to and the availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. Projects may be related to:
Activities such as processing, aggregating, distributing, and storing local and value-added food products marketed within the region.
Assisting with business development plans and feasibility studies.
Developing marketing strategies for producers of local food and value-added products.
Facilitating regional food chain coordination and mid-tier value chain development.
Promoting new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste.
Responding to changing technology needs in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing; and
Covering expenses related to cost incurred in obtaining food safety certification and improvements to food safety practices and equipment.
There are four project types, summarized below from the RFA:
If you’re unsure if your project relates more to FMPP or LFPP, this flow chart is a good place to start.
Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP): supports projects that connect public and private resources to plan and strengthen local or regional food systems, with a focus on building more resilient and sustainable food economies. Applicants must form partnerships to collaboratively set priorities, align resources and services, and measure progress toward shared goals. There are 2 project types: Planning & Design or Implementation & Expansion.
Who is Eligible to Apply for LAMP grants?
Eligible entities include:
Agricultural businesses and cooperatives
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) networks
Food councils
Economic development corporations
Local governments
Nonprofit and public benefit corporations
Producer networks or associations
Regional farmers’ market authorities
Tribal governments
What are examples of eligible expenses?
Expenses like personnel, marketing, and special purpose equipment may be eligible expenses. Infrastructure and general purpose equipment are NOT eligible expenses.
When Are Applications Due?
Applications are due through Grants.gov on June 27th, 2025, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. KCARD can help review your application if shared with us by June 18th.
Tips for a Successful Application
Demonstrate Community Impact: Clearly outline how your project will benefit the local or regional food system. Partnerships are often a good way to spread impact and improve your project.
Provide Detailed Budgets: Ensure your budget aligns with the proposed activities and includes the required 25% matching funds.
Engage Stakeholders: Show evidence of collaboration with local partners and stakeholders.
Follow RFA Instructions: Adhere strictly to the guidelines and formatting requirements specified in the RFA.
Discuss with KCARD Early: Contact KCARD early in the process so we can help make sure your project aligns with the focus of the grant.
How Do I Apply?
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Each program has specific requirements and forms, so it's essential to review the respective Request for Applications (RFA) carefully. Ensure all registrations, including the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM), are up to date before applying.
If you would like to discuss a potential project, feel free to contact KCARD at (859) 550-3972 or kcard@kcard.info as soon as possible.
To stay up to date on funding opportunities, sign up for our monthly Funding Matters newsletter or visit our Active Grants page.