The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces the availability of approximately $10 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year (FY) 2011 to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by expanding direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Examples of direct producer-to-consumer marketopportunities include new farmers markets, roadside stands, community supported agriculture (CSA) programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer infrastructure. AMS requests proposals from eligible entities within the following categories: agricultural cooperatives, producer networks, producer associations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers market authorities, and Tribal governments. The minimum award per grant is $5,000 and the maximum award per grant is $100,000. No matching funds are required. Applications must be delivered no later than July 1, 2011. For more information, visit
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/FMPP?utm_source=CFSC+Policy+Updates&utm_campaign=a5e350c84c-Policy_Update_6_2_2011&utm_medium=email