As local governments support small businesses by supporting the “buy local” movement, they are also supporting the local food industry—farmers as well as the whole system necessary for food production. In order for local food production to be economically viable, it needs local resources, marketing, and sometimes financial assistance in the form of grants.

ICMA recently conducted a Food Policy and Program Survey for Local Government in cooperation with Michigan State University (MSU) and the MSU Center for regional Food Systems. Among the topics covered in the survey is the extent to which local governments are aware of and taking advantage of programs available through the United States Department of Agriculture. Survey results show that comparatively few local governments are taking advantage of these programs, which range from marketing assistance to rural business enterprise or opportunity grants.

Some ICMA member manager local governments have taken advantage of USDA’s Farmers Market Promotion Program. Among those are the city of Norwich and the town of Putnam, CT, as well as the cities of Montpelier, VT, and Lake City, FL. The program “helps improve and expand domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.”[i] In FY2012 approximately $10 million in grants were available.

Rural business enterprise or opportunity grants were reported by ICMA member managers in the cities of Atchison, KS; Owosso, MI; and Storm Lake, IA, to name a few.  USDA’s rural development initiatives offer a wealth of programmatic and funding opportunities for rural communities. ICMA encourages local governments to use these resources to strengthen local programs. Learn about what USDA has to offer your community. Check out the USDA Rural Development site.