Local & Regional Food Systems Resilience Playbook
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The new Resilience Playbook is a collaborative effort between university-based researchers, local and regional food system (LRFS) leaders and AMS to support food systems leaders seeking to broaden and deepen their understanding of the distinct strengths and vulnerabilities of LRFS in times of disruption. This part-LRFS primer and part-inspirational guide shares both big picture frameworks and real-world examples to help readers envision what resilience looks like in action. |
Funding to Support U.S. Specialty Crop Producers
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AMS recently awarded $72.9 million to 55 states and territories through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The grant program provides funding to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops and support specialty crop growers through marketing, education, and research. This recent USDA blog post shares how 1890s Institutions have been using SCBGP to address key specialty crop challenges in their states. Find out what’s happening near you! |
New Urban Service Centers
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In a series of investments by USDA, 17 new Urban Service Centers and 10 new urban county committees have been established and will be staffed by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). These committees will help with local administration of FSA programs and the Urban Service Centers will offer farm loan, conservation, disaster assistance, and risk management programs. |
Each month, we highlight the work of Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion grant recipients.
 Profound Microfarms
Profound Microfarms was established in 2014 by Jeff and Lee Bednar under the LLC of Westivida Holdings and produces 150+ varieties of leafy greens, herbs, and edible flowers grown using hydroponic systems. After hearing about different USDA programs at a farming conference, Profound Microfarms applied for and received a Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) grant for $495,000 in 2018 to establish Profound Foods – a local food hub and combination entity for production, distribution, and marketing services for North Texas farmers. Learn more about how their LFPP grant helped bridge opportunities between local producers, chefs, and restaurants.
October
Farm To School Technical Assistance-Cooperative Agreement (Food & Nutrition Service) – Supports nonprofit entities and Indian Tribal Organizations to implement national- and/or regional-level farm to school activities that promote improving child health through nutritious school meals and indigenous food sovereignty. Application Due: October 10
Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program (National Institute of Food & Agriculture) – Brings together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system to foster an understanding of national food security trends and how they might improve local food systems.
Application Due: October 30
November
Meat & Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) (Rural Development) – Provides grants to help eligible processors expand their processing capacity, which create new, better, and more processing options for meat and poultry producers. Application Due: November 22
December & Onward
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program Education and Workforce Development (National Institute of Food & Agriculture) – Helps develop the next generation of research, education, and extension professionals in the food and agricultural sciences.
Application Due: December 7
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans & Grants (Rural Development) – Provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements.
Application Deadlines:
September 30
December 31
March 31, 2024
June 30, 2024
September 30, 2024
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