[Agricultural Marketing Service](https://www.ams.usda.gov)

June 5, 2026

$100,000–$1,000,000 per award; total program funding approx. $4.71M; project duration up to 2 years (Planning & Design) or 3 years (Implementation & Expansion)

Supports partnerships that connect public and private resources to plan and develop local and regional food systems in the U.S.

25% cash cost share required; only one RFSP award per applicant per cycle.

--- ## Description The Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP) program, administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, funds collaborative projects that strengthen local and regional food systems. The grant supports partnerships between public and private entities to plan, coordinate, and implement strategies that improve food system infrastructure, direct marketing, and value-added production. Projects must advance the development of local or regional food economies, encourage collaboration, and leverage non-federal resources to achieve measurable impacts. --- ## Due Dates - Full application deadline: June 5, 2026 (applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time) --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $4,710,000 - Expected number of awards: ~10 - Award size: - Planning & Design projects: $100,000–$250,000 (up to 24 months) - Implementation & Expansion projects: $250,000–$1,000,000 (up to 36 months) - 25% cash cost share (match) is required for all projects --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants are partnerships that include: - At least one eligible entity (such as: producer, farmer/rancher cooperative, producer network/association, majority-controlled producer-based business venture, CSA network/association, food council, local government, nonprofit corporation, public benefit corporation, economic development corporation, regional farmers market authority, or tribal government) - At least one eligible partner (such as: state agency or regional authority, philanthropic organization, institution of higher education, private corporation, or commercial/federal/farm credit system lending institution) All applicants must be domestic entities located and operating within the U.S. states or territories. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361992) by the deadline. - Required documents include: - SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) - SF-424A (Budget Information for Non-Construction Programs) - Project Narrative (using the required template) - Letters of Verification for each cost share commitment - Letters of Commitment from all partners and collaborators - Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) - Early registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov is strongly recommended, as this process can take several weeks. - Only one RFSP award may be received per applicant per funding cycle. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must focus on planning, developing, or expanding local/regional food systems; agricultural production costs and capital construction are not eligible. - Priority is given to projects leveraging significant non-federal resources, serving distressed communities, or involving multiple diverse partners. - Indirect costs can be included per federal guidelines, but only applicants with a NICRA may use indirect costs as in-kind (not cash) match. - Recipients are required to attend an AMS-sponsored grant management meeting. - See the [NOFO](https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/RFSP_NOFO_APPROVED.pdf) and [program page](https://www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp) for full details, templates, and FAQs. --- ## External Links - [RFSP Program Page](https://www.ams.usda.gov/rfsp) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361992) - [FY 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) (PDF)](https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/RFSP_NOFO_APPROVED.pdf) - [How to Apply](https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/rfsp/apply) - [RFSP FAQ](https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/RFSP_FAQ_compliant.pdf) - [LAMP Grant Toolkit & Application Support](https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/ams-lamp-grant-toolkits-application-support-page) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Additional Info | |------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | RFSP Program Staff | [IPPGrants@usda.gov](mailto:IPPGrants@usda.gov) | | Primary contact for program questions | | AMS Administrator | [AMSAdministratorOffice@usda.gov](mailto:AMSAdministratorOffice@usda.gov) | (202)-720-8998 | General AMS contact | | Grants.gov Support | [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov) | 1-800-518-4726 | Technical assistance with Grants.gov submission (available 24/7) | For mailing: - Regional Food System Partnerships USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Room 1510-S South Building Stop 0264 Washington, DC 20250-0264 ---

Regional Food System Partnership Fiscal Year 2026

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