AMS 255-06

Joan Shaffer (202) 720-8998

joan.shaffer@usda.gov

Billy Cox (202) 720-8998

billy.cox@usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2006 - 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 domestically and internationally. 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, academia, producers and other stakeholders, 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 2007, with funds allocated on the basis of one round of competition. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service administers the program.

States applying for FSMIP funds should submit proposals to FSMIP Staff Officer, USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 4009-South, Washington, D.C. 20250, or call 202-720-8043. Program guidelines, application forms and other information are posted on the Internet at www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/fsmip.htm. Applicants may also submit applications through the federal grants web site: www.grants.gov. The deadline for submitting applications is Feb. 12, 2007.

The notice inviting applications for FSMIP funds for FY 2007 will appear in the Oct. 27, 2006, Federal Register.