PURPOSE: to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.

Entities eligible to apply for the competitive grants include: agricultural cooperatives, producer networks, producer associations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, economic development corporations, and others. Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $100,000 for projects that assist in developing, promoting, and expanding direct marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers.

Guidelines are available at: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateN&navID=WholesaleandFarmersMarkets&leftNav=WholesaleandFarmersMarkets&page=FMPP&description=Farmers%20Market%20Promotion%20Program&acct=fmpp

Previously funded projects are listed on the web site. See the first item in “resources” on the FMPP home page. Henry County Extension District received a FMPP grant in 2011. Application is electronic through Grants.gov. DEADLINE: May 21, 2012