The grant could provide up to $500,000.
FMPP funds projects that develop, coordinate, and expand direct producer-to-consumer markets to help increase access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products. The program focuses on: •Supporting and promoting domestic direct producer-to-consumer (including direct producer-to-retail, direct producer-to-restaurant, and direct producer-to-institutional marketing) marketing such as farmers markets, roadside stands, agritourism activities, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, or online sales;•Encouraging the development of value-added agricultural products;•Developing marketing strategies for producers of local food and value-added products; •Facilitating regional food chain coordination and mid-tier value chain development;•Promoting new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste; •Responding to changing technology needs in direct producer-to-consumer marketing; and•Covering expenses related to costs incurred in obtaining food safety certification and improvements to food safety practices and equipment.
