Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP)

Increasing consumption of fresh farm produce through sales at farmers' markets

The Farmers' Market Promotion Program was created in the 2002 Farm Bill to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by developing, improving, and expanding domestic farmers' markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities.

Project Examples
This program is administered by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service. As of this printing, the agency has not developed guidelines to implement the program. Thus, it has not disbursed funds for any projects.

Application and Financial Information
The program's Farm Bill authorization did not specify an annual amount it could receive, but did authorize it to receive "such sums as are necessary to carry out this program" for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2007. The Farm Bill directed the USDA Secretary to establish criteria and guidelines for the submission, evaluation, and funding of proposed projects under this program; however, no such guidelines have been established yet.

Eligibility, Uses, and Restrictions
Eligible recipients include agriculture cooperatives, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers market authorities, and other entities as designated by the Secretary.

Although USDA had not written rules to implement the program by the time this directory was published, anticipated uses of FMPP funds include feasibility studies, technical assistance, project coordination, and operating capital. An eligible entity may not use a grant or other assistance provided under the program to buy, build, or rehabilitate a building or structure.

Contact
Allen Hance
Northeast-Midwest Institute
Phone: (202) 544-5200
E-mail: ahance@nemw.org

Internet
www.nemw.org/farmersmarkets/farmers.html