The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Apr. 24 that it is seeking applications for three grant programs aimed at supporting local and regional food systems in the 2026 fiscal year. The programs include the Local Food Promotion Program, Farmers Market Promotion Program, and Regional Food System Partnerships, with a submission deadline of June 5.
These funding opportunities are intended to help develop food businesses and partnerships that increase access to locally produced agricultural products. The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service will administer the grants, which require a minimum match of 25% from applicants.
The Local Food Promotion Program offers planning grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 over two years, turnkey project grants up to $100,000 over two years, and implementation grants between $100,000 and $500,000 over three years. The Farmers Market Promotion Program provides similar funding levels for turnkey projects as well as capacity building and community development projects with awards up to $500,000. The Regional Food System Partnerships program supports planning and design projects with awards between $100,000 and $250,000 over two years or implementation projects up to $1 million over three years.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources secures funding through public contributions to support its programs according to the official website. It promotes sustainable practices aimed at strengthening resilient ecosystems and economic vitality according to the official website. The organization also utilizes nine research and extension centers across California’s diverse ecosystems according to the official website.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has gained recognition for providing trusted services that link research directly with community needs according to the official website. As part of the University of California system managing Cooperative Extension services according to the official website, it conducts more than 33,800 educational events annually while engaging over 18,400 volunteers in its initiatives according to the official website.
For more information about these USDA grant opportunities or application materials applicants are encouraged to visit each program’s respective website.