The Local and Regional Foods Division conducts research across a variety of agricultural market channels which aids in the viability, profitability, and future market opportunities for American farmers and food producers.
AMS researches a variety of issues and market channels relevant to local and regional food systems, such as farmers markets, food value chains, food hubs, farm to institution, urban agriculture, and local meat production.
Local and Regional Foods Division cooperative agreements must follow the requirements provided in the cooperative agreement, in the AMS General Terms and Conditions 2025 (pdf), and in the Local and Regional Foods Division Cooperative Agreement Specific Terms and Conditions (pdf).
Recently Completed Projects
- From Truck to Trade: Building Resilient Produce Markets (Feb 2026)
- Local Sourcing Innovation in Independent and Locally-Owned Groceries (Sept 2025)
- Many Hats – A Food Hub Operator’s Toolkit (August 2025)
- Farmers Market Toolkits (August 2025)
- Characteristics of Regional Food Policy Councils (June 2025)
- Analyzing the Impacts of Farmers Markets Managed by Organizations (May 2025)
- Market Data Guidelines for Produce in Regional Food Systems (July 2024)