The Department of Agriculture is accepting applications from tribal governments and others for grants under the Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (FMPP). Attached is the April 6, 2012, FEDERAL REGISTER notice concerning these grants.
The Department of Agriculture has available $10 million in FY 2012 funds for the FMPP. The minimum award is $5,000 and the maximum award is $100,000. No matching funds are required. The deadline for receipt of applications is May 21, 2012.
The purpose of the Farmers’ Market Promotion Program is to expand direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities including farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.
Applicants must apply for FMPP funds on behalf of direct marketing operators who include two or more farmers/vendors who produce and sell their own produce through a common distribution channel. Individual producers and vendors are not eligible to apply for FMPP funds.
Priority will be given to “the development and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing outlets that sell healthy foods in food deserts…or low-income areas (where the percentage of the population living in poverty is at least 20 percent).” A minimum of ten percent of the funds will be used to support use of new electronic benefits transfer (EBT) for federal nutrition programs at farmers markets.
The attached notice provides information regarding a contact at the Department of Agriculture and web addresses for guidelines and application instructions.
Please let us know if we may provide additional information or assistance regarding the Farmers’ Market Promotion Program.
