How to Get a Government Grant to Start a Farmers' Market
The US Department of Agriculture sets aside approximately $1 million in grant money to be disbursed to farmers, local governments, non-profit agencies and vendors for farmers' markets. These grants help promote producer to consumer spending at roadside stands and farmers' markets.
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Instructions
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Find out if you're eligible. Head to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service website and read the grant proposal guidelines. Eligible requests are accepted by local government, non-profits, farmer coops and others. Two or more farmers or producers involved in the project are needed to qualify as well.
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Look into how much the grant is worth. Currently, the maximum amount of an individual Farmers' Market grant is $75 thousand per project. Groups and individuals are allowed one grant per year.
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Know what the grant can be used for. The government grant money can be used for administrative, food, marketing, education and more.
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Apply for the grant. Most government grant programs have dates that the applications have to be in by. Check with the USDA to find out when your proposal needs to be received. Follow all application directions exactly. Failing to give all the information needed can be cause for denial of grant funds.
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Improve your chances of receiving the grant. In your grant proposal, emphasize the needs and benefits to local farmers as well as the community. Write a detailed expense report and where the grant money will go in your project budget.
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