The branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that oversees the Specialty Crop Block Grant program and others for produce growers is sponsoring web seminars.
The Agricultural Marketing Service seminars, designed for growers, producer groups and other potential grant applicants, will provide an overview of the application process, program purposes, eligibility and application requirements, according to a news release.
Registration information is available on the AMS grants webpage.
The seminars cover AMS programs including:
- Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program: An April 9 seminar on $1 million available to support state agriculture departments and other state agencies to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency of the marketing system.
- Regional Food System Partnerships Program: An April 22 seminar on how to apply for some of the $10 million in funds to support partnerships that connect private and public resources to plan and develop local or regional food systems.
- The Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program: An April 23 seminar on how to apply for some of the $27 million to support the development, coordination and expansion of local and regional food markets, enterprises and producer-to-consumer marketing.
The AMS is also seeking people to evaluate applications for five grant programs, according to the release. People interested in serving as a reviewer, the AMS has information on how to become a reviewer on its website.
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