The National Farmers Market Survey is Now Live!
 the second iteration of the National Farmers Market Survey launched providing an opportunity for USDA to better understand and support American farmers markets. In partnership with Michigan State University Extension, this survey aims to create clear profiles and benchmarks for farmers markets at the state, regional, and national levels — information that will help guide policy, resources, and program support.
Visit the MSU website at the link below or scan the QR code to access the survey and learn more. The survey is designed with farmers market managers in mind, consisting of straightforward questions with no proprietary or sensitive data collected. Please share across your networks!
Contact: Americo Vega-Labiosa, americoj.vega-labiosa@usda.gov
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Value-Added Producer Grant Applications Are Open!
The Value-Added Producer Grants help agricultural producers generate new products, create or expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. These grants support either planning activities (feasibility studies, marketing plans) or working capital needs (processing, packaging, advertising, inventory, and salaries). To get started, find your local USDA Rural Development state office to identify your state contact and use the VAGP Self-Assessment Survey to check eligibility. Applications are due by Apr. 15, 2026.
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Each month, we highlight the work of Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) grant recipients.
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Farmers Market LIFE (Local Incentive for Food and Economy) emerged as a collective of farmers markets in California to address the challenges faced by markets in Sonoma and Marin counties, California. Farmers Market LIFE recognized that despite previous efforts, low-income customer participation at farmers markets had stopped growing. There was a need to move towards data-driven insights into the specific barriers preventing low-income users from accessing local food. In 2018 Farmers Market LIFE received a Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant for $495,186 to conduct community-based research, develop targeted solutions based on data, and measure the impact of these solutions on customer participation and sales. Since receiving the grant, Farmers Market LIFE has doubled their customer count while using interventions such as targeted marketing, outreach, and promotion.
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