MorrisonGrants

USDA has released proposed rules for the 2010 Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program, with a comment period open through June 27, 2010.  Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:

… is really no question if you have a choice.

Many federal, state, and other grant programs use online grant submission processes.  I use the Internet in my work as much as most people and more than many, but unless electronic submission is mandatory, we recommend sticking with paper.

USDA has announced the 2010 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) Grants, which are designed to expand direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities (not just farmers markets, despite the program’s name).   Proposals may include projects addressing issues related to farmers markets, agritourism activities, community supported agriculture programs, roadside stands, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing channels. 

We had a great time at the World Ag Expo 2010 on February 9 through 11. Thanks to those of you who stopped by our booth: we enjoyed talking with you. Congratulations to our drawing winners: Bill Brewer, a $500 gift card to Boot Barn; Annalee Locke, a Dell Netbook computer; and Thomas Burcham, a Kindle 2. Bill, Annalee, and Thomas were among many who subscribed to our new grant notification database.

Grant proposals take a lot of time, but some areas put applicants at particular risk of creating significant rework or missing critical deadlines. 

USDA has announced the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). This is a flow-through program whereby individual states apply for federal funds, which they will use for grants within their states. Most states are waiting for USDA to release the funds before announcing their state programs, though some (e.g., California) have already announced their programs.

OK, you need to know more than three things to write a successful proposal.  However, getting these right can save you a lot of time and headaches.