USDA Awards Funding To Maryland Projects Supporting Farmers And Food Access

BOWIE, Md. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced more than $26.8 million in funding to help connect farmers with local and regional markets, including several projects in Maryland.

The funding is provided through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), which includes three federal initiatives administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service: the Farmers Market Promotion Program, Local Food Promotion Program, and Regional Food System Partnerships Program.

According to USDA documents released in March 2026, the Farmers Market Promotion Program awarded 43 grants totaling $11,080,870.50, the Local Food Promotion Program awarded 37 grants totaling $11,080,870.50, and the Regional Food System Partnerships Program awarded seven grants totaling $4,712,934.29.

Several Maryland organizations were included among the recipients.

Bowie Organization Receives Nearly $500K

Ourspace World Inc., based in Bowie, received $499,624.83 for a project focused on improving food distribution through mobile markets in the National Capital Region.

The project, titled “Driving the Mid-Atlantic Value Chain Forward: Meeting Hyperlocal Consumer Demand through Mobile Market Route Optimization,” will improve logistics and distribution routes for mobile markets.

The goal is to help farmers reach more customers while improving access to fresh, locally grown food.

The project has a total budget of $624,574.59, including $124,949.76 in matching funds.

Baltimore Program Supports Farmers Markets

The Farm Alliance of Baltimore received $248,539 for a project that will help farmers expand direct-to-consumer sales in Baltimore City.

The project, titled “Growing Market Opportunities and Collective Sales for Farmers in Baltimore City,” includes training for farmers, support for farm stands and partnerships with local organizations.

The program aims to strengthen Baltimore’s local food network and improve market opportunities for farmers.

The total project budget is $311,639, including $63,100 in cost-share funding.

Easton Produce Company Expands Farm Certification

Teddy Bear Fresh Produce LLC of Easton received $423,350 to help more Maryland farms become Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified.

The project, titled “Establishing GAP Certified Farmers to Meet Maryland’s 20% Mandate for Local Purchases,” will provide technical assistance and training to small and mid-sized farms.

The program will help farmers meet food safety standards and increase the supply of locally grown food available to buyers.

The total project budget is $543,950, including $120,600 in matching funds.

Strengthening Local Food Systems

USDA officials said the funding is intended to expand farmers markets, strengthen regional food supply chains and improve access to fresh food.

Programs funded through the Local Agriculture Market Program support projects that help farmers connect directly with consumers while building stronger local food systems.

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