2014 Farmers Market Promotion Program Grants

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced the availability of approximately $15 million in competitive grant funds in fiscal year (FY) 2014 to be awarded through the Famers Market Promotion Program. The Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (FMPP) is a component of the Farmers Marketing and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP), which is authorized by the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (7 U.S.C. 3005). The FMPP is a competitive grant program administered by the Marketing Services Division (MSD) of AMS. The goals of FMPP grants are to increase domestic consumption of and access to locally and regionally produced agricultural products, and to develop new market opportunities for farm and ranch operations serving local markets by developing, improving, expanding, and providing outreach, training, and technical assistance to, or assisting in the development, improvement, and expansion of domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. The minimum FY2014 FMPP award per grant is $15,000 and the maximum is $100,000. An applicant is limited to no more than one grant in a grant-funding year. FMPP funding will be available for use beginning in October 2014. Project work should begin in October 2014 and end not later than October 2016. Matching funds are not required. NOTE: All applicants must follow the 2014 FMPP Announcement for application instructions and requirements found on the FMPP website at www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP.