In a May 5th announcement, the USDA will make available $92 million in competitive funding for the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP).  Included in the 2018 Farm Bill, the program was launched in March to resolve deficiencies apparent with the Farmers to Families Food Box Program that was characterized by high cost attributed to contractors and disparities in distribution.  Grants will address coordination and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing and food markets. 

Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack stated, "we have an opportunity to transform our nation's food system with a greater focus on resilient local and regional food supplies".  He added, "LAMP grants have a history of generating new income sources for small-scale, beginning, veteran and socially disadvantaged farmers in creating new market opportunities for value-added niche products".

USDA will award $77 million to the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program.  Projects will include indirect-to-consumer marketing through food hubs and value-added product incubators.

A third source of funding amounting to $15 million will promote public-private partnerships to strengthen local and regional food economies.  Projects will include planning and design of local and regional food economies and expanding existing functional systems.