US – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), making approximately USD 26 million in funding available in a bid to fortify local and regional food entities.
This initiative aims to propel the development and expansion of producer-to-consumer marketing, fostering sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
Jenny Lester Moffit, USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary, emphasized the direct impact of LAMP on local communities, stating, “LAMP funnels funding directly to projects in local and regional food systems where farmers are able to retain more of the food system dollar allowing their communities to prosper.”
The program encompasses two integral components—the Farmers Market Promotion Program and the Local Food Promotion Program. Both segments concentrate on nurturing and expanding local and regional food systems, ensuring a holistic approach to their development.
The USDA envisions these funds playing a pivotal role in projects that “increase the availability of locally grown food and develop new markets for local and regional food system stakeholders, farmers markets, and food hubs.”
The goal is to empower communities, strengthen farmer-market linkages, and cultivate a resilient local food ecosystem.
Highlighting success stories from previous grant recipients, the Community Farmers Market, Inc., based in Atlanta, Georgia, utilized a Farmers Market Promotion Program grant to address food access barriers.
Meanwhile, Rosebird Gardens in Mohave County, Arizona, leveraged the Local Food Promotion Program funding to enhance the year-round accessibility of locally and regionally produced agricultural products in Kingman and surrounding areas.
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has set the application deadline for May 14, 2024, with the entire process managed through grants.gov.
This initiative signifies a concerted effort to not only support existing food systems but also to stimulate innovation and inclusivity in the evolving landscape of local and regional agriculture.
In tandem with these domestic developments, global fresh produce companies are aligning themselves with initiatives aimed at enhancing predictability and transparency in the supply chain.
One notable player, ProducePay, a U.S.-based startup revolutionizing the global produce industry, recently secured $38 million in Series D financing.
This funding round, led by Syngenta Group Ventures, attracted participation from investors such as Commonfund, G2 Venture Partners, Anterra Capital, Astanor Ventures, Endeavor8, Avenue Venture Opportunities, Avenue Sustainable Solutions, and Red Bear Angels.
ProducePay’s mission is to bring transparency and predictability to the fresh produce supply chain, which has faced increasing volatility due to factors like extreme weather events, supply shortages, and price fluctuations.
The company’s Predictable Commerce Platform equips growers and buyers with tools to navigate this volatility efficiently.
As the USDA champions local and regional food initiatives, collaborations with industry innovators like ProducePay underscore a global commitment to creating resilient, transparent, and sustainable agricultural practices.
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