What is the LFPP?
The Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) aims to increase access to and consumption of local foods by supporting the development and expansion of local food businesses. The program is also designed to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch ventures serving local markets. This grant can be very competitive with less than 20% of applications awarded during the last cycle.
The LFPP program is divided into two grant categories: planning and implementation project types. Applicants can only receive one type of grant for each cycle. If awarded, the planning grant must be completed within a 18 month time period; implementation grants must be completed within 36 months.
The application cycle for FY 2021 LFPP had a deadline of June 21st and applications must be submitted through Grants.gov. Total funding available for this cycle is $38.5 million. Planning grant awards are between $25,000 and $200,000 and implementation grant awards are between $100,000 and $750,000. For FY 2021, the LFPP requires a 25% or 10% match of total Federal Funds.
More information about this program is available on the USDA’s LFPP web page.
How much funding has been available?
Approximately $37.5 million in funds were awarded to 84 applicants for the FY 2021 cycle. Click here to view a list of awardees and project descriptions
Approximately $13.5 million in funds were awarded to 44 applicants for the FY 2020 cycle. Click here to view a list of awardees and project descriptions.
The FY 2019 LFPP awarded $11.75 million to 42 applicant projects. Click here to view a list of awardees and project descriptions.
The FY 2018 LFPP awarded $13.4 million to 44 awardees. You can view the list of awardees by clicking here.
How can funds be used?
- Market research
- Feasibility studies
- Business planning
- Training
- Technical assistance
- Outreach
- Marketing
- Non-construction infrastructure improvements
Who can apply?
Eligible entities include:
- Agricultural Businesses or Cooperatives
- Producer Networks or Association
- CSA Networks or Associations
- Food Council
- Local Governments
- Nonprofit Corporations
- Public Benefit Corporations
- Economic Development Corporations
- Regional Farmers Market Authorities
- Tribal Governments
|
Category |
Max Points |
Description |
| Alignment and Intent |
25 points |
The extent to which
1) The application provides a clear and concise description of the specific issue, problem, or need and objectives for the project. 2) The project helps develop, coordinate and expand local and regional food businesses (including those that are not direct producer-to-consumer markets) that process, distribute, aggregate, or store locally or regionally produced food products and an agricultural local and regional food system infrastructure. 3) The applicant identifies the intended beneficiaries, including the number of beneficiaries and how they will benefit. |
| Technical Merit |
25 points |
The extent to which
1) The application presents a clear, well-conceived, and overall suitable methodology for fulfilling the goals and objectives of the proposed project. 2) The application presents a realistic schedule for implementing the proposed project during the award project period. 3) The previous lessons learned are incorporated into the proposed project, if the project and/or entity was previously funded. |
| Achievability |
15 points |
The extent to which
1) The outcomes and indicator (s) are feasible for the scale and scope of the project including: a. how indicator numbers were derived, with a clear means to collect feedback to evaluate and achieve each relevant outcome indicator (s); and b. the anticipated key factors that are predicted to contribute to and restrict progress toward the applicable indicators, including action steps for addressing identified restricting factors. 2) The proposed project can be easily adapted to other regions, communities, or agricultural systems. 3) The applicant provides a comprehensive plan to disseminate the project’s results (both positive and negative) electronically and in-person to target audiences, stakeholders, and interested parties. |
| Expertise and Partners |
25 points |
The extent to which
1)The proposed project represents qualifications of the applicant (individual and team) and the relevant partnerships and collaborations to accomplish the project’s goals and objectives and to meet the needs of the intended beneficiaries including: a. Commitment from the key staff demonstrated through Letters of Commitment from Partner and Collaborator Organizations; b. The key staff who will be responsible for managing the projects and names and titles of the individuals who comprise the Project Team; and c. The expertise and experience of the Project Team necessary to successfully manage and implement the proposed project. 2) The application describes plans for coordination, communication, and data sharing, and reporting among members of the Project Team and stakeholder groups, including both internal applicant personnel and external partners and collaborators. 3) The application describes how the project, and its partnerships and collaborations, will be sustained beyond the project’s period of performance (without grant funds). |
| Fiscal Plan and Resources |
10 points |
The extent to which
1) The application budget narrative or justification provides a clear, detailed, narrative description for each budget line item including: a. How the budget is consistent with the size and scope of the project; and b. How the budget relates logically to the narrative describing the project. 2) The application provides evidence that critical resources and infrastructure that are necessary for the initiation and completion of the proposed project are currently in place. 3) The applicant demonstrates that its partners’ or collaborators’ contribution of non-Federal cash resources or in-kind contributions is available and obtainable for the project as evidenced through the submitted Matching Funds and Letters of Verification. |
| Total | 100 points |
