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WSDA seeks proposals to promote agricultural markets, reduce trade barriers
Proposals due March 3 for grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000

OLYMPIA –  Approximately $245,000 is available to promote Washington agriculture through projects that increase sales, promote specialty crops, or reduce international trade barriers for the state’s food and agriculture industry. Proposals for the state marketing grant funds, which are due March 3, will be reviewed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA).

Several years ago, the Washington State Legislature established a matching fund program to increase exposure of the state’s agricultural products and promote access to international markets. Current grant work contracts include promotion of the nursery and beef industries, support for farmers markets, and promotions of fruits and vegetables.

Eligible candidates for the $245,000 in state grants include commodity commissions, public entities, associations, or nonprofit organizations that represent agricultural and food producers. The grant awards will range from $5,000 to $20,000. Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide a combination of cash matching funds and in-kind contributions. State grant contracts will be issued in July. Work must be completed by June 30, 2009.

“These grants help our agriculture-related businesses keep competitive in the global market,” said Janet Leister, manager of WSDA’s International Marketing Program. “They also present good opportunities for local farm organizations to increase the direct marketing of local farm products.”

Information and applications for the state grants are available from Leisa Schumaker at (360) 902-1926 or e-mail lschumaker@agr.wa.gov. An application can be downloaded from the WSDA Web site at www.agr.wa.gov/marketing.