AMS Farmers Market Promotion Program 2012

Posted on Apr 17, 2012 in Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced the FY2012 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) – applications are being accepted until May 21, 2012. Here is the link to the AMS FMPP Web site where you can find the NOFA and other program information. The FMPP can be an alternative or supplement to the VAPG and RBEG programs.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) offers grants to help improve and expand domestic farmers’ markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Agricultural cooperatives, producer networks, producer associations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers’ market authorities and Tribal governments are among those eligible to apply. Approximately $10 million in FMPP grants are available in fiscal year 2012. The maximum amount awarded for any one proposal cannot exceed $100,000.

As with the 2011 awards, the 2012 funding includes a priority for projects that expand access to healthy foods in food deserts and low-income communities (20 percent poverty rate and higher). To determine if a project is located in a food desert, visit this AMS food desert website. To check poverty rate data, the Economic Research Service poverty rate website.

Timothy W. O’Connell | Assistant to the State Director
Rural Development
U.S. Department of Agriculture
154 Waianuenue Ave., Room 303, Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 933-8313| (808) 933-8326 (F)
Committed to the future of rural communities
www.rurdev.usda.gov