The Farmers Market Promotion Program from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service supports projects that increase access to producer-to-consumer markets.
Grants are available in four categories: Capacity Building, Community Development Training and Technical Assistance, Turnkey Marketing and Promotion, and Turnkey Recruitment and Training. Awards vary by category, but all grants require a non-federal match equal to at least 25% of the requested amount. Applications are due by May 14, 2024 at 11:59 PM ET.
Eligibility
This grant is open to:
- Agricultural businesses or cooperatives
- Producer networks or associations
- CSA networks or associations
- Food councils
- Local governments
- Nonprofit corporations
- Public benefit corporations
- Economic development corporations
- Regional farmers market authorities
- Tribal governments
Applicants may also subaward or subcontract with partners or collaborators.
Program Goals
The primary goals of the FMPP are:
- Connect and cultivate regional food economies through public-private partnerships
- Support the development of business plans,feasibility studies, and strategies for value-added agricultural products and local and regional food system infrastructure
- Strengthen capacity and regional food system development through community collaboration and expansion of mid-tier value chains
- Improve income and economic opportunities for producers and food businesses through job creation
- Simplify the application and the reporting processes for the grants administered under the Program.
Grant Categories
Capacity Building
Capacity Building grants are available for $50,000 – $250,000 over 36 months to increase an organization’s ability to sustain direct producer-to-consumer markets or to expand existing markets. Possible projects include, but are not limited to:
- Developing tools and practices that may be replicated
- Market analysis and strategic planning
- Training and education for local farmers, ranchers, and market managers
- Recruitment of historically underserved producers
Community Development Training and Technical Assistance
Community Development Training and Technical Assistance grants are available for $100,000 – $500,000 over 36 months to provide training and technical assistance to producers serving local markets. Possible projects include, but are not limited to:
- Creating and sharing tools and practices
- Assisting producers with marketing and promotion through training and technical assistance
- Creating or expanding producer-to-consumer networks
- Helping producers comply with regulations
Turnkey Marketing and Promotion
Turnkey Marketing and Promotion grants are available for $50,000 – $100,000 over 24 months to conduct at least 3 of 5 pre-defined activities. Applicants must use the FMPP Turnkey Marketing and Promotion Project Narrative Form.
- Identify and analyze new or improved market opportunities
- Develop or revise a marketing plan
- Design or purchase marketing and promotion media
- Implement a marketing plan
- Evaluate marketing and promotion activities
Turnkey Recruitment and Training
Turnkey Recruitment and Training grants are available for $50,000 – $100,000 over 24 months to conduct at least 3 of 5 pre-defined activities. Applicants must use the FMPP Turnkey Recruitment and Training Project Narrative Form.
- Identify and analyze new or improved strategies for vendor and producer recruitment, training, or both
- Develop or revise strategies or plans for vendor and producer recruitment, training, or both
- Design materials for vendor and producer recruitment, training, or both
- Implement plans for vendor and producer recruitment, training, or both
- Evaluate outcomes related to vendor and producer recruitment, training, or both.
