Farmers market and local food grant-writing workshops planned

[March 28, 2015]  URBANA - Through the effort of Extension programs across the country, a series of farmers market and local food grant-writing workshops have been scheduled for three locations in Illinois during the month of April.

The Regional Rural Development Centers in cooperation with the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) developed the workshop materials and resources focused on improving the funding success rate of applicants to USDA AMS grant programs, specifically the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) and the Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP).

University of Illinois Extension is participating in this project and offers training programs to assist individuals and organizations in their efforts to secure AMS resources to further the provision of local foods.

The workshops will increase participants’ awareness of the program; increase the quality of applications while reducing time and effort needed to apply; and support those who have successfully applied.

Locations and dates for the workshops include:

• April 8, Sangamon County Extension Office, 700 S. Airport Drive, Springfield
   
• April 15, Jefferson County Extension Office, 4618 Broadway, Mt. Vernon
   
• April 23, Lake County Extension Office, 100 South US Highway 45, Grayslake

Each workshop will run from 1 to 5 p.m. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. Register online at https://web.extension.illinois. edu/registration/?RegistrationID=11736.

For more information about the workshops, contact Deborah Cavanaugh-Grant, [e-mail]  or 217-782-4617. More information about the Farmers Market and Local Foods Promotion Program is available at http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/fmpp 

[Deborah Ann Cavanaugh-Grant, University of Illinois]