USFCR Blog

USDA is Offering $10.5 Million in Funding To Promote and Expand Farmers Markets

Written by Mari Crocitto | Apr 4, 2024 5:59:41 PM

“When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of human civilization.”
–Daniel Webster

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is offering approximately $10.5 million in funds to domestic entities owned, operated and located within the 50 U.S. states and its territories that sell their agricultural products at farmers markets. The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), compared to the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP), focuses on promoting direct-to-consumer or direct producer-to-institutional activities.  

Four project types that applicants can pursue include Capacity Building, Community Development Training & Technical Assistance, Turnkey Recruitment & Training, and Turnkey Marketing & Promotion. Below are the distinct focuses for each topic area:

  • Capacity Building – Projects that support the development of long-term organizational capacity of direct producer-to-consumer markets along with expanding existing markets.
  • Community Development Training & Technical Assistance – Projects supporting farm and ranch operations serving local markets in relation to outreach, training and technical assistance.
  • Turnkey Recruitment & Training – Projects supporting vendor and producer recruitment as well as training activities.
  • Turnkey Marketing & Promotion – Projects supporting marketing and promotion activities. 

Eligible applicants include:

  • Agricultural Cooperatives & Businesses
  • Regional Farmers’ Market Authorities
  • Producer Networks or Associations
  • Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Networks & Associations
  • Food Councils
  • Local & Tribal Governments
  • Nonprofits & Public Benefit Corporations
  • Economic Development Corporations

Please be advised that matching funds equaling 25% or more of the project are required.

USFCR’s Grant Writing Team is now accepting applicants for grant writing support regarding projects for the USDA-AMS-TM-FMPP-G-24-0010 Farmers Market Promotion Program. Please fill out the following eligibility assessment prior to April 19th, 2024 and a member of our staff will be in contact. 

Don't miss out on the funding that could elevate your project to the next level!

If you have questions regarding your organization's unique program, feel free to contact us at (877) 252-2700 or email grants@usfcr.com.

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