The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is seeking proposals for its 2024 Farmers Market Sustainability Grant Program.
Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
State: Massachusetts
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/29/2023
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Farmers Market Sustainability Grant Program aims to enhance Massachusetts farmers markets through marketing, promotion, consumer education, planning, and infrastructure. All farmers markets that meet MDAR’s policy on farmers markets are eligible to apply for funds to support these efforts.
Funding Information
MDAR intends to fund $100,000 in projects through this competitive RFR process with a maximum award of $10,000 per farmers market. Organizations that manage more than one farmers market (i.e., a summer and winter market or two distinct markets in separate locations) may apply for a maximum award of $15,000. Applicants may only submit a single (1) proposal.
Eligible Projects
Examples of Eligible Projects:
- Develop and/or administer a farmers market marketing/advertising campaign.
- Website or social media development/enhancement.
- Market signage or printed materials.
- Repair, replace, or enhance market infrastructure (i.e., tents, tables, handwashing stations, etc.), or SNAP processing equipment that is not already funded through an outside source (Hardware only: no yearly, monthly, transaction fees or subscriptions).
- Develop, increase, or improve consumer outreach and education, including events or activities that educate consumers about Massachusetts agriculture nutrition or enhance the farmers market.
- Market sustainability, such as board development, training, volunteer recruitment, or long-term planning.
- Language access services, including translation of materials.
- Staff/personnel costs to administer a funded project of this grant.
Eligibility Criteria
- MDAR is soliciting proposals from Massachusetts farmers markets that meet Policy for Massachusetts Farmers Markets.
- The Policy defines farmers market as public markets for the primary purpose of connecting and mutually benefiting Massachusetts farmers, communities, and shoppers while promoting and selling products grown and raised by participating farmers. Eligible farmers markets must meet the minimum qualifications outlined in the Policy, which includes the following:
- Two or more farmers, or their employees, volunteers, or representatives, who are present at all times during the operation of the farmers’ market and who are selling products of which a majority are grown, produced, or raised by the farmer at their agricultural operation within the Commonwealth.
- Set hours of operation and operate on a regular schedule.
- The products are clearly labeled as to origin.
- The market complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
- The market must have, and abide by, a set of written rules that govern the operation of the market and, at a minimum, assures the primary purpose of a Massachusetts farmers market as providing a direct marketing opportunity for Massachusetts farmers, foresters, and fisheries and addresses the following:
- Terms and conditions of sales, including pricing and labeling.
- Vendor eligibility and product source.
- Compliance by all vendors with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
- Farmers markets are structured in a variety of ways. Some are managed by local municipalities, while others are managed by non-profit organizations, LLC’s, community development associations, or other entities and legal structures. Some farmers markets are led by volunteers. The farmers market must be able to enter into a contract with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
For more information, visit MDAR.
