Local Food Promotion Program Fiscal Year 2026

The Local Food Promotion Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural Marketing Service as part of the broader Local Agriculture Market Program. This federal initiative is designed to strengthen local and regional food systems by supporting intermediary supply chain activities that connect producers to consumers. The program focuses on enhancing food business enterprises that aggregate, process, distribute, and market locally and regionally produced agricultural products. By investing in these systems, the program aims to increase access to local foods, improve economic opportunities for producers, and build resilient regional food economies. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food enterprises that operate as intermediaries in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing channels. These efforts include supporting infrastructure such as food hubs, distribution networks, and value-added processing operations. The program also emphasizes business planning, marketing development, supply chain coordination, and strategies to reduce food waste. Additionally, the program supports activities such as food safety certification, technology adoption, and development of mid-tier value chains that connect producers with institutional and wholesale markets. Funding is available across multiple project types, including Planning, Implementation, and two streamlined Turnkey options focused on Marketing and Promotion or Recruitment and Training. Awards range from 25000 to 500000 depending on the project type, with performance periods of 24 to 36 months. Planning and Turnkey projects typically span two years, while Implementation projects may extend up to three years. All applicants are required to provide a 25 percent cost share in cash or in-kind contributions, and this requirement must be fully secured prior to award issuance. Eligible applicants include a wide range of domestic entities such as nonprofit organizations, local and tribal governments, agricultural businesses, producer networks, and institutions of higher education. Applicants must be based in the United States or its territories. Projects must benefit multiple producers or stakeholders and cannot focus solely on a single entity. Collaboration is strongly encouraged, and applicants must demonstrate partnerships and community engagement through formal letters of commitment. Certain activities are explicitly prohibited, including land acquisition, construction, and direct agricultural production expenses. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several mandatory components such as the SF-424 application form, budget documentation, a project narrative using a required template, and letters verifying cost share contributions and partner commitments. Applicants must ensure compliance with formatting, registration, and submission requirements, including maintaining active SAM registration and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier. The application deadline for this funding cycle is June 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process that includes initial screening, technical peer review, and administrative assessment. Evaluation criteria include alignment with program goals, technical merit, achievability, expertise of the project team, and strength of the fiscal plan. Additional consideration may be given to projects serving underserved communities or those aligned with regional food system partnerships. Successful applicants receive formal award notifications and must comply with reporting requirements, including annual and final performance reports. Program staff are available to provide technical assistance related to the application process, though they do not offer feedback on proposal competitiveness. Applicants may contact the program via email for support. The program operates on an annual cycle, and while funding levels may vary each year, it consistently aims to strengthen local food systems and improve market access for producers across the United States.

Start registration early; strictly follow narrative templates; secure cost share before submission; demonstrate strong partnerships