Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP)

1) The application provides a clear and concise description of the specific issue, problem, or need and objectives for the project.

2) The project helps develop, coordinate and expand direct -producer-to consumer such as, domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, CSA programs, agritourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities and an agricultural local and regional food system infrastructure.

3) The applicant identifies the intended beneficiaries, including the number of beneficiaries and how they will benefit.

1) The application presents a clear, well-conceived, and overall suitable methodology for fulfilling the goals and objectives of the proposed project.

2) The application presents a realistic schedule for implementing the proposed project during the award project period.

3) The previous lessons learned are incorporated into the proposed project, if the project and/or entity was previously funded.

1) The outcomes and indicator (s) are feasible for the scale and scope of the project including:

a. how indicator numbers were derived with a clear means to collect feedback to evaluate and achieve each relevant outcome indicator (s); and

b. the anticipated key factors that are predicted to contribute to and restrict progress toward the applicable indicators, including action steps for addressing identified restricting factors.

2) The proposed project can be easily adapted to other regions, communities, or agricultural systems.

3) The applicant provides a comprehensive plan to disseminate the project’s results (both positive and negative) electronically and in-person to target audiences, stakeholders, and interested parties.

1)The proposed project represents qualifications of the applicant (individual and team) and the relevant partnerships and collaborations to accomplish the project’s goals and objectives and to meet the needs of the intended beneficiaries including:

a. Commitment from the key staff demonstrated through Letters of Commitment from Partner and Collaborator Organizations;

b. The key staff who will be responsible for managing the projects and names and titles of the individuals who comprise the Project Team; and c. The expertise and experience of the Project Team necessary to successfully manage and implement the proposed project.

2) The application describes plans for coordination, communication, and data sharing and reporting among members of the Project Team and stakeholder groups, including both internal applicant personnel and external partners and collaborators.

3) The application describes how the project, and its partnerships and collaborations, will be sustained beyond the project’s period of performance (without grant funds).

1) The application budget narrative or justification provides a clear, detailed, narrative description for each budget line item including:

a. How the budget is consistent with the size and scope of the project; and

b. How the budget relates logically to the narrative describing the project.

2) The application provides evidence that critical resources and infrastructure that are necessary for the initiation and completion of the proposed project are currently in place.

3) The applicant demonstrates that its partners’ or collaborators’ contribution of non-Federal cash resources or in-kind contributions is available and obtainable for the project as evidenced through the submitted Matching Funds and Letters of Verification.