Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP); Notice of a Revision to the Approved Information Collection, 8678-8682 [E7-3263]

Agencies

• Agricultural Marketing Service
• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 38 (Tuesday, February 27, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8678-8682]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-3263]


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Notices
                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 38 / Tuesday, February 27, 2007 / 
Notices

[[Page 8678]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[Docket No. AMS-TM-O6-0191; TM-07-02]


Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the 
Farmers' Market Promotion Program (FMPP); Notice of a Revision to the 
Approved Information Collection

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announces funding of 
approximately $1 million in competitive grant funds for fiscal year 
(FY) 2007 to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities 
by expanding direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. These 
grant funds are contingent upon AMS's receipt of Congressional funding 
in 2007 for this program. Examples of direct producer-to-consumer 
market opportunities include new farmers' markets, roadside stands, 
community supported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-
consumer infrastructures. AMS hereby requests proposals from eligible 
entities from the following categories: (1) Agricultural cooperatives, 
(2) local governments, (3) nonprofit corporations, (4) public benefit 
corporations, (5) economic development corporations, (6) regional 
farmers' market authorities, and (7) tribal governments. The maximum 
award per grant is $75,000. No matching funds are required. AMS 
strongly recommends that each applicant read the entire NOFA herein, 
and visit the AMS Web site at https://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP to review a 
copy of the FMPP Guidelines and Application Package Preparation 
information to assist in preparing the proposal narrative and 
application package.

DATES: Applications should be received at the address below and must be 
postmarked not later than April 13, 2007. Comments regarding the 
information collection requirement under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 must be received on or before April 30, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Submit proposals and other required materials to Mr. Errol 
Bragg, Associate Deputy Administrator, Marketing Services Branch, 
Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service 
(AMS), USDA, Room 2646-South, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC 20250-0269, phone 202/720-8317.
    For hard-copy (paper) submissions, all forms, narratives, letters 
of support, and other required materials must be forwarded in one 
application package. AMS will not accept application packages by e-
mail; electronic applications will be accepted only if submitted via 
https://www.Grants.gov.
    Comments concerning the information collection requirements should 
reference docket number AMS-TM-06-0191, TM-07-02 and be sent to Mr. 
Errol Bragg at the above address or via the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Errol Bragg, Associate Deputy 
Administrator, Marketing Services Branch, Transportation and Marketing 
Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), on 202/720-8317, fax 
202/690-0031, or by e-mail USDAFMPP@usda.gov. State that your request 
for information refers to Docket No. TM-07-02.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This solicitation is issued pursuant to 
Section 6 of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 
U.S.C. 3001-3006) as amended by Section 10605 of the Farm Security and 
Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171) (the Acts) authorizing 
the establishment of the Farmers' Market Promotion Program (7 U.S.C. 
3005) (FMPP). The amended act states that the purposes of the FMPP are 
``(A) to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by 
improving and expanding, or assisting in the improvement and expansion 
of, domestic farmers' markets, roadside stands, community-supported 
agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer market 
opportunities; and (B) to develop, or aid in the development of, new 
farmers' markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture 
programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer infrastructure.'' The 
Secretary of Agriculture has delegated the program's administration to 
the USDA-AMS. Further, in accordance with the Secretary's Statement of 
Policy (36 FR 13804), it is found and determined upon good cause that 
it is impracticable, unnecessary, and contrary to the public interest 
to engage in further public participation under 5 U.S.C. 553 because 
the applications for the FMPP need to be made available as soon as 
possible as the programs season approaches.

Background

    AMS's authorizing authorities are the Agricultural Marketing Act of 
1946 (7 U.S.C. 1621-1627), the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act 
of 1976 (7 U.S.C. 3001-3006), and the recent amendment to the 1976 Act, 
the Farmers' Market Promotion Program (7 U.S.C. 3005). Under the 
Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, the Secretary of Agriculture is 
authorized to conduct, assist, and foster research, investigation, and 
experimentation to determine the best methods of processing, 
preparation for market, packaging, handling, transporting, storing, 
distributing, and marketing agricultural products, 7 U.S.C. 1622(a). 
Moreover, 7 U.S.C. 1622(f) directs and authorizes the Secretary to 
conduct and cooperate in consumer education for more effective 
utilization and greater consumption of agricultural products. In 
addition, 7 U.S.C. 1622(n) authorizes the Secretary to conduct services 
and to perform activities that will facilitate the marketing and 
utilization of agricultural products through commercial channels.
    The Farmer-To-Consumer Marketing Act of 1976 directs USDA to 
encourage the direct marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers 
to consumers, and to promote the development and expansion of direct 
marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, (44 U.S.C. 
Chapter 35), this notice announces AMS's request for the approval of a 
revision to a currently approved information collection under the 
Office

[[Page 8679]]

of Management and Budget (OMB) collection number 0581-0235. Information 
collected from FMPP selected grant recipients was inadvertently omitted 
from the FY-2006 FMPP grant program NOFA published in the March 15, 
2006 Federal Register.
    Title: Farmers' Market Promotion Program.
    OMB Number: 0581-0235.
    Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection. OMB 
approved this collection on July 11, 2006 for 3 years expiring July 31, 
2009.
    Expiration Date of Approval: 3 years from the date of OMB approval.
    Abstract: The primary objective of the FMPP is to help eligible 
entities to improve and expand domestic farmers' markets, roadside 
stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and other direct 
producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Eligible entities under this 
program include agricultural cooperatives, local governments, nonprofit 
corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development 
corporations, regional farmers' market authorities, and other entities 
as the Secretary may designate (7 U.S.C. 3005(c)). The Secretary has 
designated Tribal Governments as an eligible entity for this grant 
program.
    AMS has established guidelines for the FMPP that contain full 
details of the program and application process. The guidelines and all 
(SF and AD) forms required for applying for FMPP grants are available 
from AMS's Marketing Services Branch Web site at: https://
www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP, by calling 202/720-8317, or faxing 202/690-0031. 
Eligible entities are strongly encouraged to consult the guidelines 
when preparing applications for submission to the FMPP.
    All applicants requesting Federal funding under the FMPP program 
must complete the following:
    (a) Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance,'' (approved 
under OMB collection number 4040-0004) is required by all entities 
seeking Federal assistance.
    (b) Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction 
Programs,'' (approved under OMB collection number 0348-0044) must also 
be completed by applicants to show the project's budget breakdown, both 
as to expense categories and the division between Federal and non-
federal funding sources, as applicable.
    (c) Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs,'' 
(approved under OMB collection number 0348-0040) must also be completed 
by applicants to assure the Federal government of the applicant's legal 
authority to apply for Federal assistance.
    (d) Form SF-269A, Financial Status Report (Short form approved 
under OMB collection number 0348-0038) or SF-269, Financial Status 
Report, (Long form approved under OMB collection number 0348-0039, (if 
the project had program income)) is to be completed once by the 
eligible entity 90 days after the expiration date of the grant period. 
The applicant also gives assurance that it will comply with various 
legal and regulatory requirements as described within the form.
    (e) Proposal Narrative and Eligibility Statement. Completed 
applications must include a proposal narrative along with an 
eligibility statement. AMS has developed the ``FMPP Project Proposal 
Narrative Form'' and the ``FMPP Supplemental Budget Summary Form'' to 
assist applicants in placing the required information in the proper 
order.
    (f) FMPP Narrative Forms. AMS has developed the ``FMPP Project 
Proposal Narrative Form'' and the ``FMPP Supplemental Budget Summary 
Form'' to assist applicants in placing the required information in the 
proper order in the proposal narrative. These voluntary forms are 
recommended for use as guidance for the application development and 
submittal processes. The voluntary ``FMPP Project Proposal Narrative 
Form'' and ``FMPP Supplemental Budget Summary Form'' used to complete 
the proposal narrative will not increase the total number of burden 
hours. These burden hours have been captured in the proposal narrative.
    Before funds are dispersed, applicants that are selected for FMPP 
grant funds (awardees) must complete the following forms:
    (a) Form AD-1047, ``Certification Regarding Disbarment, Suspension, 
and Other Responsibility Matters--Primary Covered Transactions.'' This 
form must have the awardee's original signature.
    (b) Form AD-1048, ``Certification Regarding Disbarment, Suspension, 
Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion--Lower Tier Covered 
Transactions.'' This form must have the awardee's original signature.
    (c) Form AD-1049, ``Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace 
Requirements (Grants) Alternative I--For Grantees Other Than 
Individuals.'' The awardee keeps this document for their records.
    Additionally, awardees must also complete the following form and 
paperwork for AMS:
    (a) Grant Agreement. The grant agreement is used as documentation 
of the agreed upon responsibilities of AMS and the awardee(s) 
performing the project work. It also indicates the agreed upon grant 
funding dollar amounts and the beginning date and ending date of the 
project work and the grant agreement. Four (4) copies of this agreement 
are required with the awardee's and the AMS Administrator's office 
signatures and dated for each grant.
    (b) Form SF-270, ``Request for Advance and Reimbursement'' is 
required whenever the awardees request an advance or reimbursement of 
Federal grant funds. AMS expects that at least three (3) SF-270 forms 
will be submitted during the grant agreement period.
    (c) Progress Reports. The Progress Report is written documentation 
required to notify AMS about the work activities and progress towards 
completing the awardee's established project workplan goals, 
objectives, and timelines. AMS expects that at least two (2) Progress 
Reports will be submitted during the grant agreement period.
    (d) Final Report. The Final Report is written information required 
by AMS within 90 days after the ending date of the grant agreement. 
This information is utilized as final documentation of completion of 
the workplan goals, objectives, and activities.
    Estimate of Burden: The public reporting and recordkeeping burden 
for the collection of information is estimated to average 6.684 hours 
per response.
    Respondents: Agricultural Cooperatives, Local Governments, 
Nonprofit Corporations, Public Benefit Corporations, Economic 
Development Corporations, Regional Farmers' Market Authorities, and 
Tribal Governments.
    Estimated annual number of respondents: 400.
    Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 1.475.
    Estimated annual number of responses: 590.
    Estimated total annual burden on the respondents: 3,944 hours.
    Comments are requested on this revision to the public reporting and 
recordkeeping burden from the estimated 3,200 annual burden hours to an 
estimated 3,944 total annual burden hours. Comments are invited on: (1) 
Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper 
performance of the functions of the agency, including whether this 
information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the 
agency's estimate of the burden of this collection of information 
including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) 
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the

[[Page 8680]]

information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on those who are to respond, including the 
use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other 
technological collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    All comments concerning the information collection shall reference 
docket number AMS-TM-06-0191, TM-07-02 and the date and page number of 
this issue of the Federal Register Notice. Comments should be sent to 
Mr. Errol Bragg, Associate Deputy Administrator, Marketing Services 
Branch, Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural Marketing 
Service (AMS), USDA, Room 2646-South, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 
Washington, DC, 20250-0269; phone 202/720-8317; or via the Internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov. Comments received will be available for 
public inspection during regular business hours at the same address and 
via the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. All comments will 
become a matter of public record.
    AMS is committed to compliance with the Government Paperwork 
Elimination Act that requires Government agencies in general to provide 
the public the option of submitting information or transacting business 
electronically to the maximum extent possible. For paper application 
submissions:
     The SF and AD forms can be filled out electronically and 
printed out for submission with original signatures.
     The voluntary ``FMPP Proposal Narrative Form'' and ``FMPP 
Supplemental Budget Summary Form'' can be filled electronically and 
printed out for submission.
    For Grants.gov all SF and AD forms, as well as the proposal 
narrative and eligibility statement, can also be filled out 
electronically and submitted as an attachment through Grants.gov.

Definitions of Eligible Entities

    The eligible entities include those outlined in Section 6(c) of the 
Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 (7 U.S.C 3005(c)). In 
addition, the Secretary has designated Tribal Governments as an 
eligible entity for this grant program. Eligible entities are defined 
in this program and throughout this NOFA as follows: \1\
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    \1\ References to a state also include the District of Columbia.
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    Agricultural cooperative--A group- or member-owned entity or 
business that provides, offers, or sells agricultural products or 
services for the mutual benefit of the members thereof.
    Local Government--Local government means any unit of local 
government within a State, including a county, borough, municipality, 
city, town, township, parish, local public authority, special district, 
school district, intrastate district, council of governments, and any 
other instrumentality of local government.
    Nonprofit Corporation--Any organization or institution, including 
nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status and accredited institutions of 
higher education, no part of the net earnings of which inures to the 
benefit of any private shareholders or individuals.
    Public Benefit Corporation--A corporation organized to construct or 
operate a public improvement, the profits from which inure to the 
benefit of a State(s) or to the people thereof.
    Economic Development Corporation--An organization whose mission is 
the improvement, maintenance, development and/or marketing or promotion 
of a specific geographic area.
    Regional Farmers' Market Authority--An entity that establishes and 
enforces region, State, or county policies and jurisdiction over 
regional, State, or county farmers markets.
    Tribal Government--A governing body or a governmental agency of any 
Indian tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community 
(including any Native village as defined in section 3 of the Alaska 
Native Claims Settlement Act, 85 Stat. 688 (43 U.S.C. 1602)) certified 
by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for the special programs 
and services provided through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Recipient and Project Eligibility Requirements

    All eligible entities shall be domestic entities, i.e., those 
owned, operated, and located within one or more of the 50 United States 
and the District of Columbia only. Entities located within U.S. 
territories are not eligible.
    Additionally, under this program eligible entities must apply for 
FMPP funds on behalf of direct marketing operators that include two or 
more agricultural farmers/vendors that produce and sell their own 
products through a common distribution channel. For example, a sole 
proprietor of a roadside farm market would not be eligible for this 
program. Because the FMPP is authorized by and amends the Farmer-To-
Consumer Marketing Act of 1976, AMS will oversee and award grant 
projects that continue in developing, promoting, and expanding direct 
marketing of agricultural commodities from farmers to consumers. 
Eligible proposals should support marketing entities where agricultural 
farmers or vendors sell their own products directly to consumers, and 
the sales of these farm products should represent the core business of 
the entity.
    Individual agricultural producers, including farmers and farmers' 
market vendors, roadside stand operators, community supported 
agriculture participants, and other individual direct marketers are not 
eligible for FMPP funds. FMPP funds exclude existing routine 
operational expenses such as management salaries or other's salaries 
associated with normal operation of farmers markets/marketing entities, 
utility bills, and insurance premiums.
    FMPP grant funds must be applied to the specific programs and 
objectives identified in the application. Proprietary projects and 
projects that benefit one agricultural producer or individual will not 
be considered.

Project Timeframe

    Projects are to be completed within 18 months.

Proposal and Application Preparation

    Applicants must submit the following information; applications that 
do not contain this information will not be considered:
    1. Form SF-424, ``Application for Federal Assistance.'' This form 
must have an original signature.
    2. Form SF-424A, ``Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs.''
    3. Form SF-424B, ``Assurances--Non-Construction Programs.''
    4. DUNS Number--A Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering 
System (DUNS) number is required for all FMPP applications and all 
Federal grants (68 FR 38 402). The DUNS number must be included in the 
appropriate section of the Form SF-424. The applicant may check to see 
if the organization applying for the grant already has a DUNS number, 
or if they do not already have a DUNS number, acquire one online at no 
cost at https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/ or call the dedicated toll-free 
DUNS number request line on 1-866-705-5711.
    5. Eligibility Statement. Explain how the applicant meets the 
definition of an agricultural cooperative, local government, nonprofit 
corporation, public benefit corporation, regional farmers' market 
authority, or other eligible entity as outlined in the ``Definitions of 
Eligible Entities'' section of this NOFA. Applications without 
sufficient information to determine their

[[Page 8681]]

eligibility will not be considered. This eligibility statement will be 
counted towards the 10-page maximum for the proposal narrative.
    6. Proposal Narrative. The narrative portion of the project 
proposal must not exceed 10 pages (Times New Roman font, 12 pt. pitch, 
single spaced, 8.5 by 11 inch-paper). AMS has provided guidance for use 
in organizing the narrative and placing this information in its proper 
order. Refer to the FMPP Guidelines available from AMS's Marketing 
Services Branch Web site at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP for more 
information. The narrative must be organized under the following 
headings:
    a. Project Title. Provide a title that captures the primary focus 
of the project.
    b. Applicant/Organization Information. Provide the applicant/
organization name, applicant/organization contact name, mailing 
address, telephone and fax number, and email address for the person 
responsible for the application, financial information, and the 
proposed project budget.
    c. Primary Project Manager Information. Provide the name, mailing 
address, telephone and fax number, and email address for the person(s) 
responsible for managing and/or overseeing the project.
    d. Entity Type. Indicate the entity type of the applicant/
organization, i.e., an agricultural cooperative, local government, 
nonprofit corporation, public benefit corporation, economic benefit 
corporation, regional farmers' market authority, tribal government, or 
other entity type.
    e. Executive Summary. The project proposal summary, not to exceed 
200 words, must include the following: a description of the project 
including the goals to be accomplished, stages of work and resources 
required, the expected timeframe for completing all tasks and results, 
and primary project manager responsible for the project.
    f. Goals of the Project. Provide a clear statement that includes 
the ultimate goal(s) and objective(s) (one or two sentences) of the 
project.
    g. Background Statement. Provide information regarding past, 
current, and/or future events, conditions, or actions taken that 
justify the need for the project.
    h. Workplan and Resource Requirements. Provide a statement that 
includes the planned scope of work, anticipated stages and timelines, 
and the resources required to complete the project. Identify who will 
do the work, whether collaborative arrangements or subcontractors will 
be used, the amount of resource commitments of the collaborators, and 
the role(s) and responsibilities of each collaborator or project 
partner.
    i. Expected Outcomes and Project Evaluation. Describe what is to be 
accomplished, the expected results, and how success will be measured at 
the completion of the project.
    j. Beneficiaries. Describe which persons, organizations, and/or 
entities will benefit from the project work or research outlined in the 
proposal.
    k. Supplemental Budget Summary. Provide in sufficient detail 
information about the budget categories listed on Form SF-424A to 
demonstrate that the budget is reasonable and adequate for the proposed 
work. Additional detail and justification must be provided for any 
purchase that is expected to exceed $5,000. For full information on how 
to complete the Supplemental Budget Summary, please refer to the FMPP 
Guidelines available from AMS's Marketing Services Branch Web site at: 
https://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP.
    l. Primary Proposal Activity. Identify the main activity (only one 
specific activity, i.e., waste management) that the proposal has 
indicated to meet the goals and objectives. Refer to the ``Eligible 
Grant Uses'' section to assist in identifying this activity.
    m. Secondary Proposal Activity. Identify the secondary activities 
(as many as are applicable) that the proposal has indicated to meet the 
goals and objectives. Refer to the ``Eligible Grant Uses'' section to 
assist in identifying these activities.
    7. Methods of Evaluating Proposals. Applicants should ensure that 
evaluation criteria are addressed within the proposal narrative. The 
suggested questions with each criterion are provided as general 
guidance for completing the narrative; provide additional information 
as appropriate.
    Each criterion has a maximum score value, and the total maximum 
score for an FMPP proposal narrative will equal 100. Proposals will be 
rated on each criterion as follows:
    a. The Need for the Project (maximum score = 25). Provide 
justification for the project approach and/or strategies in the 
proposal; to include:
    (1) How do the project activities in the proposal conform to the 
FMPP program objectives and eligible funding uses?
    (2) How does the proposal demonstrate the project's merit? Why are 
these activities appropriate for achieving the project's stated 
objectives?
    b. Direct Benefit to Farmers/Vendors (maximum score = 20). Explain 
the direct benefit to market/market entity farmers and vendors. Any 
benefit for individual farmers/vendors should be provided for every 
participating farmer/vendor in a market/market entity. Include:
    (1) How will the farmer/vendor benefit from these activities? How 
many farmers/vendors will benefit from your project's activities?
    (2) What is the overall potential impact on the local/regional farm 
economy?
    c. Reasonableness of Budget (maximum score = 15). Provide 
justification for the budget and funds usage. Include:
    (1) How is budget appropriate for the scope of work?
    d. Project Innovation (maximum score = 10). Provide justification 
of the proposal's innovative approach. Include:
    (1) Has this approach been done before? And if it has, how does it 
differ from previous efforts?
    (2) Why is your approach different or better than other efforts?
    e. Transferability of Project Outcomes (maximum score = 10). 
Explain how and why proposed activities could be used elsewhere. 
Include:
    (1) Will the outcome and lessons learned from this project be 
applicable to other locations?
    f. Degree of Collaboration/Partnerships (include partner 
qualifications) and Participation (maximum score = 10). Outline the 
collaboration/partnerships formed and farmer/producer participation for 
this project. Include:
    (1) How many collaborators/partners and farmers/producers will 
participate in this project? What role will they play?
    (2) How will collaborators/partners and farmers/producers assist in 
implementing the project?
    (3) What resource commitments will they provide?
    g. Quantitative Evaluation and Measurement of Project's Impact 
(maximum score = 10). Define how successes will be measured and how 
sustainable the activities are after FMPP funds are no longer 
available. Include:
    (1) How will project results be measured?
    (2) How self-sustaining will the project be after FMPP grant 
funding is exhausted?
    8. Application/Proposal Packages. To ensure proper application 
preparation, see the FMPP Guidelines available from AMS's Marketing 
Services Branch Web site at: https://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP for 
submission to AMS.

Grant Amounts

    The amount of funds available for FMPP grants in FY 2007 is

[[Page 8682]]

approximately $1 million. These grant funds are contingent upon 
Congress's providing funding to AMS for this program. The maximum 
amount of Federal funds awarded for any one proposal will be $75,000.

Number of Awards

    An applicant can not receive more than one FMPP grant in a grant 
funding year.

Eligible Grant Uses

    FMPP grants were established for projects intended to benefit more 
than one agricultural farmer or producer. Applications for FMPP grants 
funds should be for, but not limited to, projects and proposals that 
are associated with the following three categories:
    1. Improving Farmer/Vendor Access to Relevant Marketing and 
Financial Information--Projects that provide opportunities and promote 
training, education, networking, technical assistance, and information 
sharing for farmers, vendors, market management, and market sponsors. 
These projects are designed to enhance sales volumes, self-sufficiency, 
and product security/safety. Project focuses may address:
     Direct marketing practices and methods, business planning, 
market growth management, recordkeeping, food handling and safety.
     Farmer and vendor selection, recruitment, and retention.
     Consumer trends, demographics, changing ethnic 
demographics, and their relationship to customer purchasing patterns.
     Alternative purchasing methods, such as Women, Infants, 
and Children Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (WIC-FMNP) coupons; 
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) coupons; and debit/
credit technologies.
     Association and other organizational development.
    2. Consumer-Based Education and Market Access--Projects that 
address ways to improve consumers' access and utilization of markets/
entities: These projects may include:
     Consumer education that focuses on new food and 
agricultural products, product applications, and chef demonstrations 
with a required emphasis on the assessment, evaluation, and impact of 
such education on consumer patronage at eligible markets/entities.
     Assessment, evaluation, and impact of the vendors and/or 
the market/entities in providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables 
to low-income households, children, and seniors.
    3. Innovative Approaches to Market/Facility Operations and 
Management--Projects that address operational or marketing 
opportunities and issues of markets and/or farmers/vendors to: enhance 
product value and sales; increase revenue and efficiency; or reduce 
expenses. These projects may address:
     The use and effect of advertising, market promotion, 
labeling, and/or signage and the measurement of their impact.
     Waste management/recycling.
     Liability coverage and insurance.
     Facility planning and/or design.
     Transportation and delivery systems.
     Infrastructure for electronic benefits transfer (EBT) 
usage; processing, kitchen incubators, storage, packaging, and 
refrigeration.
    Any of the projects within each category above can be identified as 
a ``primary'' or ``secondary'' proposal activity. Only one activity, 
however, should be selected and identified as the ``primary project 
activity'' for FMPP grant funding uses. See ``Proposal Narrative,'' 
sections 6.l. and 6.m. in ``Proposal and Application Preparation,'' for 
more information.

Ineligible Grant Uses

    FMPP grant funds cannot be used to pay for:
    1. Acquisition of land, repair, rehabilitation, acquisition or 
construction of a building or facility.
    2. Political or lobbying activities.
    3. Any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019.

How To Submit Proposals and Applications

    Each application must contain the following information stated in 
the ``Proposal Preparation'' section of the NOFA: Forms SF-424, SF-
424A, and SF-424B; the entity DUNS number; the entity eligibility 
statement; and the proposal narrative. Electronic forms, proposals, 
letters of support, or any other application materials emailed directly 
to AMS or USDA-AMS staff will not be accepted.
    Following are the options available for submitting proposals and 
applications to AMS:
    Paper Submissions--For paper submissions an original and one copy 
of the proposal, required forms, narrative, letters of support, and all 
required materials must be submitted in one package, preferably via 
express mail. Because packages sent to the Agency through the United 
States Postal Service can be damaged or delayed due to security 
procedures at USDA Washington DC headquarters, express mail services or 
couriers are strongly recommended. Paper submissions must be sent to:

Mr. Errol Bragg, Associate Deputy Administrator, Marketing Services 
Branch, Transportation and Marketing Programs, AMS, USDA, Room 2646-
South, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC, 20250-0269.

    If an e-mail address is provided on Form SF-424, FMPP will send an 
e-mail message to the applicant confirming receipt of the application 
package.
    Electronic Submissions via Grants.gov--Applicants may apply 
electronically for grants through the Federal grants Web site: https://
www.Grants.gov. Applicants who submit their FMPP proposals via the 
Federal grants Web site are not required to submit any paper documents 
to FMPP.
    FMPP is listed in the ``Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance'' 
under number 10.168 and subject agencies must adhere to Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination in all federally 
assisted programs.

    Dated: February 21, 2007.
Lloyd Day,
Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-3263 Filed 2-26-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P