The USDA’s 2011 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) has been announced.  This program is designed to promote the domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.  Approximately $10 million in competitive grant funds are available, in grant awards sized a minimum of $5,000 and maximum of $100,000.  FMPP funding will be available for use beginning in October 2011. Project work should begin in October 2011 and end not later than October 2013. Matching funds are not required.

Eligible entities are: agricultural cooperatives; producer networks; producer associations; local governments; nonprofit corporations; public benefit corporations; economic development corporations; regional farmers market authorities; and Native American tribal governments.  Eligible projects must establish, expand, or promote direct producer-to-consumer marketing activities within the United States.  The application deadline for this program is July 1, 2011.  To learn more about this opportunity and to apply through grants.gov, click here (http://e2ma NULL.net/go/9433402709/3700007/106742969/29677/goto:http:/www07 NULL.grants NULL.gov/search/search NULL.do;jsessionid=LTh1NvpRY5fMGFXzNlX9pQJ10bjGVdbpc6y4dTykSLSRztQX2GQl%21-703747468?oppId=97873&mode=VIEW).