Call for Applications: Local Food Promotion Program (US)

Deadline: 05-Jun-2026

The Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) by the U.S. Department of Agriculture supports projects that strengthen local and regional food systems through intermediary-based marketing. It funds enterprises that connect producers to consumers via supply chains like food hubs, distributors, and aggregators. Grants range from $25,000 to $500,000, with a total funding pool of $13.84 million.

Overview of the Program

The LFPP is administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service under the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP).

It focuses on indirect producer-to-consumer marketing, meaning food reaches consumers through intermediaries rather than direct sales.

The program supports:

• Food supply chain development
• Market expansion for local producers
• Strengthening regional food economies

Key Objectives

The program aims to improve efficiency and coordination in food systems.

Core objectives include:

• Expanding local and regional food business enterprises
• Strengthening supply chain coordination
• Supporting intermediary-based marketing systems
• Increasing access to locally produced food
• Enhancing distribution infrastructure
• Improving market access for farmers

What is Indirect Producer-to-Consumer Marketing?

Indirect marketing involves intermediaries that connect producers and consumers.

Examples:

• Food hubs
• Aggregators and distributors
• Wholesalers
• Retail partnerships (grocery stores, institutions)

This model enables:

• Larger-scale distribution
• Better logistics and storage
• Access to wider markets

Focus Areas

The LFPP supports system-level improvements in food distribution.

1. Enterprise Development

• Growth of food hubs and supply chain businesses
• Expansion of regional food enterprises

2. Coordination and Infrastructure

• Logistics and distribution systems
• Storage, processing, and aggregation facilities

3. Market Expansion

• Connecting producers to new buyers
• Increasing product reach and availability

4. Access to Local Food

• Improving availability in communities
• Supporting institutional buyers (schools, hospitals, etc.)

Funding Details

• Total funding: $13,840,000
• Minimum grant: $25,000
• Maximum grant: $500,000
• Type: Competitive grants

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility is defined in the official Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

Eligible applicants may include:

• Nonprofit organizations
• Agricultural businesses
• Cooperatives
• Producer networks
• Government entities
• Food system intermediaries

Important:

• Applicants must review NOFO for full eligibility details
• Partnerships are often encouraged

Types of Projects Supported

The program funds practical, scalable food system initiatives.

Examples include:

• Establishing or expanding food hubs
• Improving distribution networks
• Developing aggregation and processing systems
• Building supply chain coordination platforms
• Expanding regional food marketing systems

Expected Outcomes

Funded projects should deliver measurable improvements.

Key outcomes include:

• Stronger regional food supply chains
• Increased market access for producers
• Improved availability of local food
• Enhanced efficiency in food distribution
• Growth of food enterprises and intermediaries

Why This Program Matters

The LFPP strengthens the backbone of local food systems.

Key impacts:

• Supports farmers by expanding market opportunities
• Builds resilient regional food economies
• Reduces reliance on long-distance supply chains
• Improves food access in communities
• Encourages sustainable and scalable food systems

How It Works / Application Process

Step-by-step process:

• Identify a supply chain or market gap
• Develop a project focused on indirect marketing systems
• Align proposal with LFPP objectives
• Review eligibility criteria in NOFO
• Prepare budget and implementation plan
• Submit application through USDA AMS
• Applications undergo competitive review
• Selected projects receive funding

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Alignment with program goals
• Project feasibility and scalability
• Impact on local/regional food systems
• Strength of partnerships
• Innovation and sustainability

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Eligibility mistakes:

• Not meeting NOFO requirements
• Applying without appropriate intermediary focus

Proposal mistakes:

• Weak supply chain strategy
• Lack of measurable outcomes
• Limited market impact

Strategy mistakes:

• Confusing direct and indirect marketing models
• Failing to demonstrate scalability

Tips for Strong Applications

• Focus on system-level impact, not small isolated activities
• Clearly define supply chain improvements
• Build strong partnerships across the value chain
• Show measurable economic and community benefits
• Demonstrate long-term sustainability
• Align closely with USDA priorities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the LFPP?

It is a USDA grant program supporting local food systems through intermediary-based marketing.

How much funding is available?

$13.84 million total, with grants from $25,000 to $500,000.

What is indirect marketing?

It involves intermediaries like food hubs and distributors connecting producers to consumers.

Who can apply?

Nonprofits, businesses, cooperatives, and other eligible entities defined in the NOFO.

What types of projects are funded?

Supply chain development, food hubs, distribution systems, and market expansion initiatives.

Is partnership required?

Not always mandatory, but strongly encouraged.

What is the main goal?

To strengthen regional food systems and improve access to locally produced food.

Conclusion

The Local Food Promotion Program is a key funding opportunity for organisations working to build efficient, scalable local food systems. By supporting intermediary-based supply chains, the program enhances market access for producers, improves food distribution, and strengthens regional economies through sustainable food networks.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.