DATCP To Discuss Local Food Marketing

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) invites food security and local food system organizations to attend a virtual strategic planning discussion regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Local Food Purchasing Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) on February 15, 2022, 1-2:30 p.m. 

The webinar will include program information, a question and answer session with USDA staff, and an open discussion on the following questions:

• What current barriers do you see in developing local supply chains to serve food security efforts?
• What current projects do you have that are attempting to address these issues?
• How can we shape our local supply chain system?

The discussion will take place on Zoom. Registration is required and available at https://bit.ly/3ujlTAf. If you cannot attend the webinar and would like to submit comments on these discussion topics, please email your responses to DATCP Agricultural Programs Supervisor Kara Kasten-Olson at [email protected]. 

The USDA is requesting applications from state and tribal governments for the LFPA Program. The goal will be to establish cooperative agreements with state and tribal governments for the purpose of supporting local and socially disadvantaged producers.

Recipients of this funding will be required to purchase food from local and regional producers, target purchases from socially disadvantaged farmers, and distribute the food to underserved communities that are not part of the normal food distribution network. The USDA will only grant one award per state or tribal government. However, state and tribal governments are able to partner with local organizations and other agencies to implement the program.

Projects must mainly be used to procure food. However, sub-agreements and costs associated with outreach, program development, program administration, food storage, and distribution are allowed. 

For more information, please visit the USDA Local Food Purchasing Cooperative Agreement Program website at https://bit.ly/34u4zNY.