FYI-



Priorities for 2009 include:



• New EBT Start-Up -- Projects that develop new electronic benefit 

transfers

(EBT) programs to support the use of EBT for Federal nutrition programs at

farmers’ markets.



• “Growing Farmers” - Projects that develop training and educational 

programs for

new direct farm marketers on the benefits, challenges, and logistics of 

agricultural

direct marketing in a given region. Such projects could develop new 

programs

focused on small business development, marketing techniques, identifying 

market

opportunities, or mentoring programs for women, minorities, immigrant,

transitioning, and new farmers in that State or region. Such projects 

should focus

on the recruitment and retention of new farmers to participate at 

farmers markets

and other direct-to-consumer farm marketing outlets.



• Professional Development - Projects that develop professional 

expertise for

farmers market managers, farmers/vendors, boards, and organizations to

effectively manage and/or operate farmers markets and other direct 

marketing

enterprises.