The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service awarded a Cooperative Agreement of $120,000 to the Young Mens Christian Association Of Metropolitan Chattanooga on March 1, 2026, under the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (CFDA 10.175). The award funds efforts to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through marketing and promotion, research and development support for producers, and expansion of specialty crop availability. Performance extends through February 29, 2028, and is based in Tennessee. The Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program supports development, coordination, and expansion of local and regional food systems by funding projects that build direct producer-to-consumer markets and local food business enterprises to increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. Awards under this program are structured for two or three years in length, with recipients eligible to request a one-year extension to complete project objectives.