The USDA Local Agricultural Market Program (LAMP), authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, serves as an overarching initiative to foster the growth, coordination, and expansion of local and regional food systems.
Administered primarily by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and USDA Rural Development, LAMP comprises several key grant programs: the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), the Regional Food System Partnership (RFSP) Grant Program, and the Value Added Producers Grant (VAPG).
This umbrella structure ensures "permanent mandatory funding," improves inter-agency coordination, and preserves the distinct missions of each program.
LAMP aims to increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products by supporting both direct producer-to-consumer marketing and indirect, intermediated market channels.
An evaluation of 2014 FMPP and LFPP projects revealed a significant return on investment, generating "$2.67 into local and regional economies for every dollar invested through grant funding."
These programs have demonstrably reduced barriers to entry for new businesses, increased business capacity, improved market access through food safety training, strengthened community ties, and fostered long-term business sustainability.
