Regional Food System Partnerships

The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has released a Request for Applications (RFA) for the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) grant program for FY 2025, offering $4.5 million in funding. This initiative seeks to support partnerships that strengthen local and regional food systems by planning, developing, and coordinating resources for food markets, including value-added agricultural products. Eligible partnerships must include various entities such as community-supported agriculture networks, nonprofits, and local governments. The program encourages collaboration and requires a 25% cash cost share from applicants. Projects are categorized into Planning and Design or Implementation and Expansion, each with specific funding limits. Applications will be evaluated based on alignment with program goals, technical merit, and achievability, facilitating development in food systems. AMS emphasizes online submission through Grants.gov by the June 27, 2025, deadline, allowing ample time for registration and compliance with technical requirements. Overall, this grant aims to enhance sustainability and resilience in regional food economies by connecting public and private actors, fostering innovative approaches, and ensuring a diverse range of partners are involved in the initiatives.

The Regional Food System Partnerships Program outlines essential guidelines for applicants seeking federal funding to enhance their local food systems. The application requires detailed information about the applicant organization, authorized representatives, project coordinators, and partnerships. It emphasizes collaboration between various eligible entities, including agricultural businesses, nonprofits, and local governments. Applicants must identify project activities and their goals, as well as specify the requested federal funds and required cost share, with at least 25% in cash contributions. Key components include an executive summary, alignment with statutory issues, community engagement strategies, and planned outcomes with measurable indicators. The document emphasizes building partnerships, improving marketing opportunities, and addressing issues in distressed communities. Furthermore, it details budgetary requirements, including personnel, travel, supplies, and indirect costs. Transparency and sustainability of partnerships post-project are also critical elements. This document serves to facilitate a structured application process, aiming to strengthen regional food systems through strategic collaborations and resource allocation.