LFPP funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer to consumer marketing to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The program focuses on: Supporting the processing, aggregation, distribution, and storage of local and regional food products that are marketed locally or regionally, including value-added agricultural products;Encouraging the development of value-added agricultural products;Assisting with business development plans and feasibility studies;Developing marketing strategies for producers of local food and value-added products;Facilitating regional food chain coordination and mid-tier value chain development;Promoting new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste;Responding to changing technology needs in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing; andCovering expenses related to cost incurred in obtaining food safety certification and improvements to food safety practices and equipment.
