The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is now accepting applications for the 2011 Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (FMPP).  The Notice of Funding Availability appeared in the June 1 Federal Register.

For 2011, $10 million dollars in competitive grant funds are available for projects that expand direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.  Grant funds may be used for the establishment of new or expansion of existing farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture programs, roadside stands and agri-tourism activities, to name a few.

A priority has been added this year for projects that increase food access 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, check this Economic Research Service poverty rate website.

FMPP grants may be used to institute Electronic Benefit Transfer at farmers’ markets, CSAs and other direct marketing venues or to fund the costs of carrying out an existing EBT system.  This year separate applications are required for proposals that contain EBT project activities and non-EBT project activities.

The minimum per grant award is $5,000 and the maximum is $100,000.  Funded projects would begin in October 2011 and end not later than October 2013.

The deadline to apply for FMPP funds is July 1, 2011.  Completed applications can be mailed to AMS or submitted online via www.grants.gov.  Guidelines, application instructions, and the mailing address can be found on the AMS FMPP website.

NSAC’s grassroots guide to the 2008 Farm Bill provides basic information about the FMPP program, contact information for FMPP staff, and examples of previous FMPP grant recipients.