USDA Seeks Comments on Farmers Market Promotion Program Rule

AMS Press Release No. 020-11; Sam Jones-Ellard (202)720-8998, Samuel.Jones@ams.usda.gov

USDA Seeks Comments on Farmers Market Promotion Program Rule Proposal and Information Collection

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2011—USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking comments on a Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) rule proposal and has announced its intention to request approval of new information collection from the Office of Management and Budget. The proposed rule would establish eligibility and application requirements, the review and approval process, and grant administration procedures for the FMPP. The FMPP was created through an amendment of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976. The grants authorized by the FMPP, originally funded in 2006 and revised under the 2008 Farm Bill, are designed to improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agritourism activities and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.

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The proposed rule and request for approval of new information collection was published in the Jan. 19, 2011, Federal Register. USDA encourages the public to provide comments electronically (preferred) by Internet to https://www.regulations.gov. All comments should reference Docket No. AMS–TM–10–0088, TM–08–07. Comments received by March 21, 2011, will be considered. Comments may also be sent by mail to: Errol R. Bragg, Director, Marketing Services Division, Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, 1800 M Street, NW., Room 3012-South Tower, Washington, D.C., 20036.

For questions about this proposed rule and information collection contact Carmen Humphrey, Branch Chief, Marketing Grants and Technical Services Branch, Marketing Services Division, Transportation and Marketing Programs, AMS, at (202) 694-4000 or via fax at (202) 694-5949.