USDA Awards Over $10 Million in Funding to Strengthen Markets for U.S. Agricultural Products and Address Food Insecurity in Underserved Communities

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13, 2024 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is awarding over $10 million for 19 grant projects to expand new market opportunities for U.S. agricultural products, increase access to locally grown food in communities experiencing food insecurity and promote the maple syrup industry. The funding is made possible through the Acer Access and Development Program (Acer), the Federal State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP), and the Micro-Grants for Food Security Program (MGFSP).<_o3a_p>

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"These programs target unique sectors of our agricultural system and support the development of new and better markets, increase consumer knowledge of local production, and improve access to healthy food in underserved communities" said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. "USDA is committed to supporting the development of resilient food systems that meet consumers' needs and expand opportunities for producers."<_o3a_p>

Through the Acer program, $5.1 million is being awarded to 10 Producer and Landowner Education projects and one Market Development and Promotion project. Acer funding is authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill, and projects aim to improve consumer knowledge of the maple syrup industry, increase producer understanding of land management and production techniques, and conduct research to support the sector.<_o3a_p>

With this funding, the University of Maine and University of Southern Maine will develop resources to educate maple sugarbush managers, consult foresters, and other professionals on climate adaptation and mitigation practices to enhance the resilience of the maple industry.<_o3a_p>

Through the Federal State Marketing Improvement Program, USDA is awarding $921,000 to four projects explore new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving marketing system efficiency and performance. The program, funded by the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, supports state departments of agriculture, state agricultural experiment stations, and other appropriate state agencies.<_o3a_p>

Among these four projects, West Virginia University and its partners will use funding to build a resilient and profitable wool market by highlighting the regenerative nature of wool farming, understanding its carbon impacts, communicating its value, and exploring certifications. It is expected that a minimum of 50 new products will be created or enhanced through this project.<_o3a_p>

The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program is awarding $4.7 million to agricultural agencies in Alaska, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and Hawaii through a non-competitive application process. This funding will allow the agencies to make subawards in the future that will fund projects that increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations. The goal of the program is to support communities that have significant levels of food insecurity and import significant quantities of food. MGFSP is funded through the 2018 Farm Bill.<_o3a_p>

To learn more about AMS's investments in enhancing and strengthening agricultural systems, visit www.ams.usda.gov/grants.

AMS administers programs that create domestic and international marketing opportunities for U.S. producers of food, fiber, and specialty crops. AMS also provides the agriculture industry with valuable services to ensure the quality and availability of wholesome food for consumers across the country and globally. AMS services and its significant grant investments create opportunities by supporting American farmers, ranchers and businesses across the supply chain, and drive economic development in small towns and rural communities.

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USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America's food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

Get the latest Agricultural Marketing Service news at www.ams.usda.gov/news.

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