AMS 260-05

Joan Shaffer (202) 720-8998

joan shaffer@usda.gov

Becky Unkenholz (202) 720-8998

Becky.unkenholz@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2005 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is inviting state departments of agriculture and other appropriate state agencies to submit proposals for matching grant funds under the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP).

FSMIP funds may be requested for a wide range of research projects that help to market, transport and distribute U.S. food and agricultural products. Federal funds awarded to any project must be matched by non-federal funds or in-kind resources. USDA is particularly interested in proposals that involve collaboration among the states, universities and producers, and in proposals that have state, regional or national significance.

USDA anticipates that approximately $1.3 million will be available for FSMIP grants in fiscal year 2006, with funds allocated on the basis of one round of competition. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service administers the program.

States interested in applying for FSMIP funds may submit proposals to FSMIP Staff Officer, USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 4009-South, Washington, D.C., 20250, or call (202) 720-2704. Program guidelines, application forms and other related information are posted on the internet at www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm Applicants have the option of submitting their applications through the Federal grants web site: http://www.grants.gov The deadline for submitting applications is February 10, 2006.

The notice inviting applications for FSMIP funds for FY 2006 appeared in the Dec. 2 Federal Register.