Program Descriptions
Program Number
10.168
Title
Farmers' Market Promotion Program
Federal Agency
AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Authorization
Section 5 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976, Public Law 94-463, as amended by Section 10605 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, Public Law 107-171.
Status
Active
Objectives
To increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by improving and expanding, or assisting in the improvement and expansion of, domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities; and develop, or aid in the development of, new farmers markets, roadside stands, communitysupported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer infrastructures.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Projects must improve and expand, or assist in the improvement and expansion of, domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities through innovative approaches to market operations and management, improving access to relevant marketing and financial information, and consumer-based education and market access. Eligible entities must apply for FMPP funds on behalf of direct marketing operations that include two or more farmers/farm vendors who produce and sell their own products through a common distribution channel. Use of funds are based on documented needs, excluding, however, routine operational expenses such as management salaries or other salaries associated with normal operation of farm markets/marketing entities, utility bills, and insurance premiums. FMPP grant funds cannot be used to pay for acquisition, repair, rehabilitation, or construction of a building or facility; acquisition of land; political or lobbying activities; or any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019. Additional detail and justification must be provided for any purchase that is expected to exceed $5,000.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Agricultural cooperatives, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers market authorities, and Tribal governments. Projects must be located within the 50 States or the District of Columbia.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Direct marketing operations that include two or more farm vendors who produce and sell their own products through a common marketing channel, and consumers.
Credentials/Documentation
Applicants must provide documentation as to how they meet the definition of an eligible entity.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs. An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedure
Applicants must submit forms SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, an eligibility statement, a narrative description of the proposal including project title, executive summary, goals, background, workplan and resource requirements, and expected results, a supplemental budget summary, and any supporting documents such as letters of support.
Award Procedure
Applications are reviewed and approved or disapproved by the Agricultural Marketing Service in competition with other applications received. Grantees are notified of the amount awarded by allotment letter. Grant payments are made on a reimbursable basis.
Deadlines
Contact the Farmers Market Promotion Program contact for application deadlines.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
120 to 180 days from the application deadline.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Projects are not to exceed 18 months. Grant payments are made on an as-needed basis over the grant period. Advance payments may be requested.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Progress reports are required at the midpoint of projects approved for one year and at 6-month intervals for projects of longer duration. A final report of results and accomplishments and form SF 269A must be submitted no later than 90 days after the grant ends.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR Part 3052, which implement OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations, nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 7 CFR 3052.
Records
Grantees and sub-grantees must keep all records relating to the grant for 3 years from the date the SF-269A is submitted to the Agricultural Marketing Service.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-2501-0-1-352.
Obligations
FY 07 $1,000,000; FY 08 est $1,000,000; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The maximum grant is $75,000.
Program Accomplishments
None.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Guidelines for the Farmer Market Promotion Program are posted at http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/msb/index.htm or may be obtained from the Farmers Market Promotion Program contact.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Farmers Market Promotion Program, Marketing Services Branch, Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 2646- South, STOP 0269, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250- 0269. Telephone: (202) 720-8317. Contact: Errol Bragg.
Web Site Address
http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/msb/index.htm
Related Programs
None.
Examples of Funded Projects
None.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Applications are evaluated on the following criteria: need for the project, direct benefit to farmers/vendors, project innovation, degree of collaboration/partnerships and farmer/producer participation, quantitative evaluation and measurement of the project's impact, long-term project sustainability, transferability of project outcomes, and reasonableness of the budget.
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