U.S. CODE

U.S. Code

§ 3005. Farmers’ Market Promotion Program

(a) Establishment

The Secretary shall carry out a program, to be known as the “Farmers’ Market Promotion Program” (referred to in this section as the “Program”), to make grants to eligible entities for projects to establish, expand, and promote farmers’ markets and to promote direct producer-to-consumer marketing.

(b) Program purposes

(1) In general

The purposes of the Program 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, agri-tourism activities, 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, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.

(2) Limitations

An eligible entity may not use a grant or other assistance provided under the Program for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of a building or structure.

An entity shall be eligible to receive a grant under the Program if the entity is—

(1) an agricultural cooperative or a producer network or association;

(2) a local government;

(3) a nonprofit corporation;

(4) a public benefit corporation;

(5) an economic development corporation;

(6) a regional farmers’ market authority; or

(7) such other entity as the Secretary may designate.

(d) Criteria and guidelines

The Secretary shall establish criteria and guidelines for the submission, evaluation, and funding of proposed projects under the Program.

(e) Funding

(1) In general

Of the funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation, the Secretary shall use to carry out this section—

(A) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(B) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2009 through 2010; and

(2) Use of funds

Not less than 10 percent of the funds used to carry out this section in a fiscal year under paragraph (1) shall be used to support the use of electronic benefits transfers for Federal nutrition programs at farmers’ markets.

(3) Interdepartmental coordination

In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall ensure coordination between the various agencies to the maximum extent practicable.

(4) Limitation

Funds described in paragraph (2)—

(A) may not be used for the ongoing cost of carrying out any project; and

(B) shall only be provided to eligible entities that demonstrate a plan to continue to provide EBT card access at 1 or more farmers’ markets following the receipt of the grant.

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