Regional Food System Partnerships

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), is offering the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) grant for fiscal year 2025. This grant falls under the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), which aims to strengthen local and regional food systems by supporting partnerships that bring together public and private stakeholders. The objective is to connect resources and services across communities to develop resilient and inclusive food economies. The RFSP program provides competitive funding for eligible partnerships to develop and expand infrastructure, supply chains, and market systems that benefit local agricultural economies. There are two types of projects funded under the RFSP: Planning and Design, and Implementation and Expansion. Planning and Design projects support the early phases of partnership formation and system planning, including feasibility studies, goal setting, and strategy development. These projects are eligible for grants ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 for a two-year period. Implementation and Expansion projects build upon existing collaborations and infrastructure to scale and sustain food systems. These projects can receive between $250,000 and $1,000,000 over three years. All applicants must propose activities that stay within their chosen project type’s award range and timeline. Eligibility is restricted to partnerships composed of one or more eligible entities and one or more eligible partners. Eligible entities include nonprofit corporations, Tribal governments, farmer cooperatives, community-supported agriculture networks, economic development corporations, food councils, and local governments, among others. Eligible partners may be institutions of higher education, private corporations, philanthropic organizations, or financial institutions. A signed partnership agreement such as an MOU is required, and applicants must be domestic entities. Applicants must submit their applications electronically through Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on June 27, 2025. The application package includes a federal assistance application (SF-424), budget form (SF-424A), project narrative, abstract summary, letters of cost share verification, and letters of commitment from all partners. A cost share of 25% in cash from non-federal sources is mandatory. Additional supporting documents like a Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) may be required if applicable. Evaluation is based on five weighted criteria: alignment and intent, technical merit, achievability, expertise and partnerships, and fiscal plan and resources. Each criterion includes several subcomponents evaluating project relevance, feasibility, staffing, and use of funds. Reviewers also consider geographic distribution and whether projects address priority areas such as underserved or distressed communities. For assistance, applicants can contact AMS program staff at IPPGrants@usda.gov. Additional resources including FAQs and templates are available at www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp. Technical issues with Grants.gov should be directed to support@grants.gov or 1-800-518-4726. Awards will be announced after administrative and risk reviews are completed. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award with terms and conditions and be required to report performance and financial progress annually.