---
kind: "section"
citation: "7 U.S.C. § 1627c"
title: "7"
title_heading: "Agriculture"
number: "1627c"
heading: "Local agriculture market program"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/7/1627c"
units:
  - "Chapter 38 — Distribution and Marketing of Agricultural Products"
  - "Subchapter I — General Provisions"
---

# §1627c. Local agriculture market program

- (a) **Definitions—** In this section:
  - (1) **Beginning farmer or rancher—** The term “beginning farmer or rancher” has the meaning given the term in [section 1991(a) of this title](/usc/7/1991.md?p=a).
  - (2) **Direct producer-to-consumer marketing—** The term “direct producer-to-consumer marketing” has the meaning given the term “direct marketing from farmers to consumers” in [section 3002 of this title](/usc/7/3002.md).
  - (3) **Family farm—** The term “family farm” has the meaning given the term in [section 1632a(a) of this title](/usc/7/1632a.md?p=a).
  - (4) **Food council—** The term “food council” means a food policy council or food and farm system network, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2), that—
    - (A) represents—
      - (i) multiple organizations involved in the production, processing, and consumption of food; and
      - (ii) local, Tribal, or [State](/usc/7/198.md?p=5) governments; and
    - (B) addresses food and farm-related issues and needs within city, county, [State](/usc/7/198.md?p=5), Tribal region, multicounty region, or other region designated by the food council or food system network.
  - (5) **Majority-controlled producer-based business venture—**
    - (A) **In general—** The term “majority-controlled producer-based business venture” means a venture greater than 50 percent of the ownership and control of which is held by—
      - (i) 1 or more producers; or
      - (ii) 1 or more entities, 100 percent of the ownership and control of which is held by 1 or more producers.
    - (B) **Entity described—** For purposes of [subparagraph (A)](#a-5-A), the term “entity” means—
      - (i) a partnership;
      - (ii) a limited liability corporation;
      - (iii) a limited liability partnership; and
      - (iv) a corporation.
  - (6) **Mid-tier value chain—** The term “mid-tier value chain” means a local or regional supply network that links independent producers with businesses and cooperatives that [market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) value-added agricultural products in a manner that—
    - (A) targets and strengthens the profitability and competitiveness of small and medium-sized farms and ranches that are structured as a family farm; and
    - (B) obtains agreement from an eligible agricultural producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative, or majority-controlled producer-based business venture that is engaged in the value chain on a marketing strategy.
  - (7) **Partnership—** The term “partnership” means a partnership entered into under an agreement between—
    - (A) 1 or more eligible partners (as defined in [subsection (e)(1)](#e-1)); and
    - (B) 1 or more eligible entities (as defined in [subsection (e)(1)](#e-1)).
  - (8) **Program—** The term “Program” means the Local Agriculture [Market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) Program established under [subsection (b)](#b).
  - (9) **Regional food chain coordination—** The term “regional food chain coordination” means coordination and collaboration along the supply chain to increase connections between producers and [markets](/usc/7/198.md?p=1).
  - (10) **Secretary—** The term “[Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2)” means the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) of Agriculture.
  - (11) **Socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher—** The term “socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher” has the meaning given the term in [section 2003(e) of this title](/usc/7/2003.md?p=e).
  - (12) **Value-added agricultural product—** The term “value-added agricultural product” means any agricultural commodity or product that—
    - (A)
      - (i) has undergone a change in physical [state](/usc/7/198.md?p=5);
      - (ii) was produced in a manner that enhances the value of the agricultural commodity or product, as demonstrated through a business plan that shows the enhanced value, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2);
      - (iii) is physically segregated in a manner that results in the enhancement of the value of the agricultural commodity or product;
      - (iv) is a source of farm- or ranch-based renewable energy, including E–85 fuel; or
      - (v) is aggregated and marketed as a locally produced agricultural food product; and
    - (B) as a result of the change in physical [state](/usc/7/198.md?p=5) or the manner in which the agricultural commodity or product was produced, marketed, or segregated—
      - (i) the [customer](/usc/7/24.md?p=b) base for the agricultural commodity or product is expanded; and
      - (ii) a greater portion of the revenue derived from the marketing, processing, or physical segregation of the agricultural commodity or product is available to the producer of the commodity or product.
  - (13) **Veteran farmer or rancher—** The term “veteran farmer or rancher” has the meaning given the term in [section 2279(a) of this title](/usc/7/2279.md?p=a).
- (b) **Establishment and purpose—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall establish a program, to be known as the “Local Agriculture [Market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) Program”, that—
  - (1) supports the development, coordination, and expansion of—
    - (A) direct producer-to-consumer marketing;
    - (B) local and regional food [markets](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) and enterprises; and
    - (C) value-added agricultural products;
  - (2) connects and cultivates regional food economies through public-private partnerships;
  - (3) supports the development of business plans, feasibility studies, and strategies for value-added agricultural production and local and regional food system infrastructure;
  - (4) strengthens capacity and regional food system development through community collaboration and expansion of mid-tier value chains;
  - (5) improves income and economic opportunities for producers and food businesses through job creation; and
  - (6) simplifies the application processes and the reporting processes for the Program.
- (c) **Administration—** In administering the Program, the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall—
  - (1) streamline the Program to better support the activities carried out by the recipient of a grant under the Program;
  - (2) connect producers with local food [markets](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) and value-added agricultural product opportunities;
  - (3) partner with cooperative extension services, as appropriate, to provide Program technical assistance and outreach to Program stakeholders; and
  - (4) ensure that the Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Agricultural Marketing Service provide Program technical assistance and outreach to Program stakeholders.
- (d) **Grants—**
  - (1) **In general—** Under the Program, the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) may, using funds made available under [subsection (i)](#i), provide grants for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023, in accordance with the purposes of the Program described in [subsection (b)](#b), for the conduct of activities described in [paragraph (2)](#d-2).
  - (2) **Eligible activities—** The recipient of a grant may use a grant provided under [paragraph (1)](#d-1)—
    - (A) to support and promote—
      - (i) domestic direct producer-to-consumer marketing;
      - (ii) farmers’ [markets](/usc/7/198.md?p=1);
      - (iii) roadside stands;
      - (iv) agritourism activities,
      - (v) community-supported agriculture programs; or
      - (vi) online sales;
    - (B) to support local and regional food business enterprises that engage as intermediaries in indirect producer-to-consumer marketing;
    - (C) to support the processing, aggregation, distribution, and storage of—
      - (i) local and regional food products that are marketed locally or regionally; and
      - (ii) value-added agricultural products;
    - (D) to encourage the development of value-added agricultural products;
    - (E) to assist with business development plans and feasibility studies;
    - (F) to develop marketing strategies for producers of local food products and value-added agricultural products in new and existing [markets](/usc/7/198.md?p=1);
    - (G) to facilitate regional food chain coordination and mid-tier value chain development;
    - (H) to promote new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste;
    - (I) to respond to changing technology needs in direct producer-to-consumer marketing; or
    - (J) to cover expenses relating to costs incurred in—
      - (i) obtaining food safety certification; and
      - (ii) making changes and upgrades to practices and equipment to improve food safety.
  - (3) **Criteria and guidelines—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall establish criteria and guidelines for the submission, evaluation, and funding of proposed projects under [paragraph (1)](#d-1) as the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) determines are appropriate.
    - (B) **Producer or food business benefits—**
      - (i) **In general—** Except as provided in [clause (ii)](#d-3-B-ii), an application submitted for a grant under [paragraph (1)](#d-1) shall include a description of the direct or indirect producer or food business benefits intended by the applicant to result from the proposed project within a reasonable period of time after the receipt of the grant.
      - (ii) **Exception—** [Clause (i)](#d-3-B-i) shall not apply to a planning or feasibility project.
  - (4) **Amount—** Unless otherwise determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2), the amount of a grant under this subsection shall be not more than $500,000.
  - (5) **Value-added producer grants—** In the case of a grant provided under [paragraph (1)](#d-1) to an eligible entity described in [subparagraph (B)](#d-5-B), the following shall apply:
    - (A) **Administration—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall carry out this subsection through the Administrator of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, in coordination with the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service.
    - (B) **Eligible entities—** An entity shall be eligible for a grant under this paragraph if the entity is—
      - (i) an independent producer (as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2)) of a value-added agricultural product; or
      - (ii) an agricultural producer group, farmer or rancher cooperative, or majority-controlled producer-based business venture (as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2)).
    - (C) **Priorities—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall give priority to applications—
      - (i) in the case of an application submitted by a producer, that are submitted by, or serve—
        - (I) beginning farmers or ranchers;
        - (II) socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers;
        - (III) operators of small or medium sized farms or ranches that are structured as family farms; or
        - (IV) veteran farmers or ranchers; and
      - (ii) in the case of an application submitted by an eligible entity described in [subparagraph (B)(ii)](#d-5-B-ii), that provide the greatest contribution to creating or increasing marketing opportunities for producers described in subclauses [(I)](#d-5-C-i-I) through [(IV)](#d-5-C-i-IV) of clause (i).
    - (D) **Limitation on use of funds—**
      - (i) **In general—** Except as provided in [clause (ii)](#d-5-D-ii), an eligible entity described in [subparagraph (B)](#d-5-B) may not use a grant for the purchase or construction of a building, general purpose equipment, or structure.
      - (ii) **Exception—** An eligible entity described in [subparagraph (B)](#d-5-B) may use not more than $6,500 of the amount of a grant for an eligible activity described in [paragraph (2)(J)](#d-2-J) to purchase or upgrade equipment to improve food safety.
    - (E) **Matching funds—** An eligible entity described in [subparagraph (B)](#d-5-B) receiving a grant shall contribute an amount of non-Federal funds that is at least equal to the amount of Federal funds received.
  - (6) **Farmers’ markets and local food promotion program—** In the case of a grant provided under [paragraph (1)](#d-1) to an eligible entity described in [subparagraph (B)](#d-6-B), the following shall apply:
    - (A) **Administration—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall carry out this subsection through the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service, in coordination with the Administrator of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
    - (B) **Eligible entities—** An entity shall be eligible to receive a grant under this paragraph if the entity is—
      - (i) an agricultural cooperative or other agricultural business entity or a producer network or association, including a community-supported agriculture network or association;
      - (ii) a local or Tribal government;
      - (iii) a nonprofit corporation;
      - (iv) a public benefit corporation;
      - (v) an economic development corporation;
      - (vi) a regional farmers’ [market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) authority;
      - (vii) a food council; or
      - (viii) such other entity as the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) may designate.
    - (C) **Priorities—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall give priority to applications that—
      - (i) benefit underserved communities, including communities that are located in areas of concentrated poverty with limited access to fresh locally or regionally grown food; or
      - (ii) are used to carry out eligible activities under a partnership agreement under [subsection (e)](#e) and have not received benefits from the Program in the recent past.
    - (D) **Limitation on use of funds—**
      - (i) **In general—** Except as provided in [clause (ii)](#d-6-D-ii), an eligible entity described in [subparagraph (B)](#d-6-B) may not use a grant for the purchase or construction of a building, general purpose equipment, or structure.
      - (ii) **Exception—** An eligible entity described in [subparagraph (B)](#d-6-B) may use not more than $6,500 of the amount of a grant for an eligible activity described in [paragraph (2)(J)](#d-2-J) to purchase or upgrade equipment to improve food safety.
    - (E) **Matching funds—** An eligible entity described in [subparagraph (B)](#d-6-B) receiving a grant shall provide matching funds in the form of cash or an in-kind contribution in an amount that is equal to 25 percent of the total amount of the Federal portion of the grant.
- (e) **Partnerships—**
  - (1) **Definitions—** In this subsection:
    - (A) **Eligible entity—** The term “eligible entity” means—
      - (i) a producer;
      - (ii) a producer network or association;
      - (iii) a farmer or rancher cooperative;
      - (iv) a majority-controlled producer-based business venture;
      - (v) a food council;
      - (vi) a local or Tribal government;
      - (vii) a nonprofit corporation;
      - (viii) an economic development corporation;
      - (ix) a public benefit corporation;
      - (x) a community-supported agriculture network or association; and
      - (xi) a regional farmers’ [market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) authority.
    - (B) **Eligible partner—** The term “eligible partner” means—
      - (i) a [State](/usc/7/198.md?p=5) agency or regional authority;
      - (ii) a philanthropic organization;
      - (iii) a private corporation;
      - (iv) an institution of higher education;
      - (v) a commercial, Federal, or Farm Credit System lending institution; and
      - (vi) another entity, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2).
  - (2) **Grants to support partnerships—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2), acting through the Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service, in accordance with the purposes of the Program described in [subsection (b)](#b), shall, using funds made available under [subsection (i)](#i), provide grants for each of fiscal years 2019 through 2023 to support partnerships to plan and develop a local or regional food system.
    - (B) **Geographical diversity—** To the maximum extent practicable, the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall ensure geographical diversity in selecting partnerships to receive grants under [subparagraph (A)](#e-2-A).
  - (3) **Authorities of partnerships—** A partnership receiving a grant under [paragraph (2)](#e-2) may—
    - (A) determine the scope of the regional food system to be developed, including goals, outreach objectives, and eligible activities to be carried out;
    - (B) determine the local, regional, [State](/usc/7/198.md?p=5), multi-[State](/usc/7/198.md?p=5), or other geographic area covered;
    - (C) create and conduct a feasibility study, implementation plan, and assessment of eligible activities under the partnership agreement;
    - (D) conduct outreach and education to other eligible entities and eligible partners for potential participation in the partnership agreement and eligible activities;
    - (E) describe measures to be taken through the partnership agreement to obtain funding for the eligible activities to be carried out under the partnership agreement;
    - (F) at the request of a producer or eligible entity desiring to participate in eligible activities under the partnership agreement, act on behalf of the producer or eligible entity in applying for a grant under [subsection (d)](#d);
    - (G) monitor, evaluate, and periodically report to the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) on progress made toward achieving the objectives of eligible activities under the partnership agreement; or
    - (H) at the conclusion of the partnership agreement, submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) a report describing—
      - (i) the results and effects of the partnership agreement; and
      - (ii) funds provided under [paragraph (4)](#e-4).
  - (4) **Contribution—** A partnership receiving a grant under [paragraph (2)](#e-2) shall provide funding in an amount equal to not less than 25 percent of the total amount of the Federal portion of the grant.
  - (5) **Applications—**
    - (A) **In general—** To be eligible to receive a grant under [paragraph (2)](#e-2), a partnership shall submit to the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) considers necessary to evaluate and select applications.
    - (B) **Competitive process—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2)—
      - (i) shall conduct a competitive process to select applications submitted under [subparagraph (A)](#e-5-A);
      - (ii) may assess and rank applications with similar purposes as a group; and
      - (iii) shall make public the criteria to be used in evaluating applications prior to accepting applications.
    - (C) **Priority to certain applications—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) may give priority to applications submitted under [subparagraph (A)](#e-5-A) that—
      - (i)
        - (I) leverage significant non-Federal financial and technical resources; and
        - (II) coordinate with other local, [State](/usc/7/198.md?p=5), Tribal, or national efforts;
      - (ii) cover an area that includes distressed low-income rural or urban communities, including areas with persistent poverty; or
      - (iii) have multiple entities and partners in a partnership.
    - (D) **Producer or food business benefits—**
      - (i) **In general—** Except as provided in [clause (ii)](#e-5-D-ii), an application submitted under [subparagraph (A)](#e-5-A) shall include a description of the direct or indirect producer or food business benefits intended by the eligible entity to result from the proposed project within a reasonable period of time after the receipt of a grant.
      - (ii) **Exception—** [Clause (i)](#e-5-D-i) shall not apply to a planning or feasibility project.
  - (6) **Technical assistance—** On request of an eligible entity, an eligible partner, or a partnership, the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) may provide technical assistance in carrying out a partnership agreement.
- (f) **Simplification of application and reporting processes—**
  - (1) **Applications—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall establish a simplified application form for eligible entities that—
    - (A) request less than $50,000 under [subsection (d)](#d); or
    - (B) apply for grants under [subsection (d)](#d) under a single application through partnership agreements under [subsection (e)](#e).
  - (2) **Reporting—** The [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall—
    - (A) streamline and simplify the reporting process for eligible entities; and
    - (B) obtain from eligible entities and maintain such information as the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) determines is necessary to administer and evaluate the Program.
- (g) **Interdepartmental coordination—** In carrying out the Program, to the maximum extent practicable, the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall ensure coordination among Federal agencies.
- (h) **Evaluation—**
  - (1) **In general—** Using amounts made available under [subsection (i)(3)(E)](#i-3-E), the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall conduct an evaluation of the Program that—
    - (A) measures the economic impact of the Program on new and existing [market](/usc/7/198.md?p=1) outcomes;
    - (B) measures the effectiveness of the Program in improving and expanding—
      - (i) the regional food economy through public and private partnerships;
      - (ii) the production of value-added agricultural products;
      - (iii) producer-to-consumer marketing, including direct producer-to-consumer marketing;
      - (iv) local and regional food systems, including regional food chain coordination and business development;
      - (v) new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste;
      - (vi) the use of new technologies in producer-to-consumer marketing, including direct producer-to-consumer marketing; and
      - (vii) the workforce and capacity of regional food systems; and
    - (C) provides a description of—
      - (i) each partnership agreement; and
      - (ii) each grant provided under [subsection (d)](#d).
  - (2) **Report—** Not later than 4 years after December 20, 2018, the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a report describing the evaluation conducted under [paragraph (1)](#h-1), including a thorough analysis of the outcomes of the evaluation.
- (i) **Funding—**
  - (1) **Mandatory funding—** Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2) shall use to carry out this section $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended.
  - (2) **Authorization of appropriations—** There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 and each fiscal year thereafter, to remain available until expended.
  - (3) **Allocation of funds—**
    - (A) **Value-added producer grants—**
      - (i) **In general—** Subject to [clause (ii)](#i-3-A-ii), of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, 35 percent shall be used for grants under [subsection (d)(5)](#d-5).
      - (ii) **Reservation of funds—**
        - (I) **Majority-controlled producer-based business ventures—** The total amount of grants under [subsection (d)(5)](#d-5) provided to majority-controlled producer-based business ventures for a fiscal year shall not exceed 10 percent of the amount allocated under [clause (i)](#i-3-A-i).
        - (II) **Beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers—** Of the funds made available for grants under [subsection (d)(5)](#d-5), 10 percent shall be reserved for grants provided to beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers.
        - (III) **Mid-tier value chains—** Of the funds made available for grants under [subsection (d)(5)](#d-5), 10 percent shall be reserved for grants to develop mid-tier value chains.
        - (IV) **Food safety assistance—** Of the funds made available for grants under [subsection (d)(5)](#d-5), not more than 25 percent shall be reserved for grants for eligible activities described in [subsection (d)(2)(J)](#d-2-J).
    - (B) **Farmers’ market and local food promotion grants—** Of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, 47 percent shall be used for grants under [subsection (d)(6)](#d-6).
    - (C) **Regional partnerships—** Of the funds made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, 10 percent shall be used to provide grants to support partnerships under [subsection (e)](#e).
    - (D) **Unobligated funds—** Any funds under subparagraph [(A)](#i-3-A), [(B)](#i-3-B), or [(C)](#i-3-C) that are not obligated for the uses described in that subparagraph, as applicable, by September 30 of the fiscal year for which the funds were made available—
      - (i) shall be available to the agency carrying out the Program with the unobligated funds to carry out any function of the Program, as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/7/499a.md?p=b-2); and
      - (ii) may carry over to the next fiscal year.
    - (E) **Administrative expenses—** Not greater than 8 percent of amounts made available to provide grants under subsections [(d)](#d) and [(e)](#e) for a fiscal year may be used for administrative expenses.

## Source credit

(Aug. 14, 1946, ch. 966, title II, § 210A, as added Pub. L. 115–334, title X, § 10102(b), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4888.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

The authorities provided by each provision of, and each amendment made by, Pub. L. 115–334, as in effect on Sept. 30, 2023, to continue, and authorities to be carried out, until the later of Sept. 30, 2024, or the date specified in the provision of, or amendment made by, Pub. L. 115–334, see section 102(a) of Pub. L. 118–22, set out in an Extension of Agricultural Programs note under section 9001 of this title.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Local Agriculture Market Program

Pub. L. 115–334, title X, § 10102(a), Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4888, provided that: Purpose.—The purpose of this section [enacting this section, amending sections 1632a, 1632b, 2204h, 2207b, and 3003 of this title, and repealing sections 3005 and 3006 of this title] is to combine the purposes and coordinate the functions, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2018], of— the Farmers’ Market and Local Food Promotion Program established under section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3005); and the value-added agricultural product market development grants under section 231(b) of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 1632a(b)).”