Lamp beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers – mandatory

Mere Point Oyster Co received a $207,805 Project Grant award on August 18, 2025, through the Rural Business Cooperative Services division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This award supports activities under the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP, CFDA 10.175), a component of the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP). The awardee, based in Maine, will implement project activities over a two-year performance period through August 18, 2027, to develop and expand local and regional food systems and direct producer-to-consumer marketing channels.

While specific products and services for this particular award are not detailed in the provided documentation, the FMLFPP supports eligible activities that typically include development of direct marketing infrastructure, value-added agricultural product development, marketing strategy implementation, food safety improvements, and coordination of local food distribution networks. As an oyster production and marketing enterprise, Mere Point Oyster Co's project likely focuses on expanding distribution channels, enhancing processing or value-added product capabilities, or strengthening connections to local and regional markets for its aquaculture products.