USDA AMS Offers Two Grant Opportunities

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has issued Requests for Applications for two grant opportunities to support the development, coordination, and expansion of direct producer-to-consumer marketing; local and regional food markets and enterprises; and value-added agricultural products.

The two grants are the Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP). These grant programs can fund operating capital, marketing expenses, business plans, feasibility studies, and other activities, excluding construction and equipment. The application deadline for both grants is June 27th.

Eligible applicants for both grants include agricultural businesses and cooperatives, Food Councils, local governments, non-profit organizations, producer networks or associations, and Tribal governments.

The LFPP offers four types of projects:

1. 24-month Planning;
2. 36-month Implementation;
3. 24-month Turnkey Marketing and Promotion; and
4. 24-month Turnkey Recruitment and Training.

LFPP planning projects range from $25,000 to $100,000, while implementation projects range from $100,000 to $500,000. Each turnkey project option is available for a defined set of activities, with funding amounts ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. The program requires cash or in-kind cost sharing equal to 25% of the grant award.

The FMPP is not limited to farmers’ markets, but is open to various direct-to-consumer activities. It offers four types of projects:

1. 36-month Capacity Building;
2. 36-month Community Development Training and Technical Assistance;
3. 24-month Turnkey Marketing and Promotion; and
4. 24-month Turnkey Recruitment and Training.

FMPP Capacity Building projects range from $50,000 to $250,000, while Community Development Training and Technical Assistance projects range from $100,000 to $500,000. Each of the turnkey project options is available for a defined set of activities, with funding amounts ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. The program requires cash or in-kind cost sharing equal to 25% of the grant award.

USDA AMS is hosting two webinars to provide information about the programs.

1. The FMPP Webinar is scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, May 20th. To register, click here.

2. The LFPP Webinar is scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT, Thursday, May 22nd. To register, click here.