The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $72.9 million in grant funding available through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program funds innovative projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through marketing, education, and research. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications until July 7, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced $26.5 million in grant funding available through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) to help local and regional food entities develop, coordinate, and expand producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets, and local food enterprises. LAMP includes the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), and the Regional Food System Partnerships (RFSP). USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications for the grant programs until June 27, 2025. 

Date: June 11, 2025
Location: Virtual (link coming soon)
Comments or Questions: Kendra.c.kline@usda.gov
Meeting Materials 2025 Spring GIAC Agenda (pdf)

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grain Inspection Advisory Committee will conduct its spring meeting on June 11, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m. ET. The meeting will be held virtually. Visit the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee webpage for more information and to learn how to participate virtually.

Agenda topics will include status briefings on recommendations, general program updates and a guest speaker on export trends.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced natural sod grass producers are not in favor of issuing a final rule and establishing an industry-funded program for natural grass sod products. In a referendum, conducted Jan. 13- Feb. 11, 2025, 63.51% of eligible natural grass sod producers voted against establishing the proposed Natural Grass Sod Promotion, Research, and Information Order.