Mar 12, 2010USDA to Promote Farmers’ Markets
USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced the availability of $5 million in funding for the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), which will emphasize three priorities during 2010.
The first will be a focus on the recruitment and retention of new farmers to participate at farmers’ markets and other direct-to-consumer farm marketing outlets. The second priority will be to develop professional expertise for farmers’ market managers, farmer/vendors, boards and organizations to effectively manage and/or operate farmers’ markets and other direct-marketing enterprises. The last priority is to improve food access in local, rural and underserved communities to promote the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms.
Since USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) began tracking farmers’ markets in 1994, the number has grown by nearly 4,000 nationwide. Currently, nearly 5,274 farmers’ markets operate nationwide, up from 4,685 in 2008, an increase of 13 percent.
AMS has developed two new tools for prospective grant applicants. The FMPP Pre-Application Guide for 2010 helps readers assess their readiness for the grant application and implementation process. AMS has also captured its on-site FMPP grant-writing training in a detailed PowerPoint presentation that provides step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the application forms. Both tools are accessible on the FMPP Web site.
Information on how to apply for a grant will be published in the Federal Register and posted on the AMS Web site. Applications and proposals must be postmarked by April 15. Applications received after April 15 will not be considered.
For more information, write Carmen Humphrey, Program Manager, Farmers Market Promotion Program, AMS, 1800 M Street, NW, Room 3012-South Tower, Washington, D.C. 20036; call 202-694-4000; fax 202-694-5949.
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