Bill > HR6775

This bill, titled the "New Markets for Farmers and Families Act," aims to reauthorize and strengthen the Farmers’ Markets and Local Food Promotion Program, which provides grants to support local food systems. Key provisions include requiring eligible entities receiving grants to contribute matching funds equal to 25% of the federal grant amount, though this requirement is waived for certain priority grants. The bill also significantly increases funding for the program, raising the annual allocation from $50,000,000 to $100,000,000 for fiscal years 2019 through 2026, and then setting it at $50,000,000 annually thereafter. Furthermore, it reserves 30% of the available funds for priority grants aimed at entities that haven't received a grant in the past three years and intend to establish new farmers' markets, with flexibility for the Secretary of Agriculture to reallocate these funds if there aren't enough suitable applications. Finally, the bill mandates reports from both the Secretary of Agriculture and the Inspector General of the Department of Agriculture to assess the program's effectiveness, application trends, and any instances of fraud or abuse.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6775/all-info