USDA Seeks Reviewers for FMPP Applications

      Posted On: April 3, 2009

WASHINGTON,  April 2, 2009 –– The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) invites individuals to share their expertise in reviewing project proposals for the 2009 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant program.  The FMPP program began in 2006, with the goal of expanding direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities in the United States through the development and promotion of farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs (CSAs), agritourism, and other direct-marketing channels.

Reviewers will include federal employees and “peer” representatives from agricultural cooperatives, producer networks, producer associations, state and local governments, non-profit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers market authorities, and tribal governments.

Prospective peer reviewers are expected to have a general knowledge of the operational aspects of farmers markets, roadside stands, CSA programs, agritourism, electronic benefit transfers projects, and other agricultural direct-marketing businesses.  Each reviewer will utilize his or her knowledge and expertise to score and comment on applications submitted for 2009 FMPP grants.

Reviewers must be available to review proposals from mid-May through June, and able to travel to Washington, D.C., for FMPP grant reviewer meetings in late June or early July. Reviewers will be reimbursed for transportation, meals, and incidental expenses incurred during their participation in the review.  Reviewers located outside the immediate District of Columbia metropolitan commuting area will also be reimbursed for lodging expenses.

Individuals from organizations that have submitted an application for FMPP grant funding for the 2009 grant program year are not eligible to serve as reviewers.

For more information, please see the FMPP website at . To apply, call an FMPP grant staff member at (202) 720-8317.  FMPP management will contact those individuals selected as reviewers.