Farmers’ Markets Can Get $1,000 Grant for Promotion

Area farmers' markets can get up to a $1,000 grant towards the promotion of their markets, thanks to the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

On Friday the Missouri Department of Agriculture announced the grant opportunity and outlined what farmers' markets need to do to get the grant.

Missouri farmers' markets that meet the USDA definition of a farmers' market, are located in Missouri, and are part of the Missouri Grown program are eligible to receive up to $1,000 matching grant to fund promotion and advertising that raise awareness of farmers' markets and or promote the understanding of raising food and agriculture in the markets' communities.

Priority will be given to farmers' markets using funds to expand their marketing budget and those who did not receive funding in 2021. Additionally, projects must be matched dollar for dollar to be eligible to receive the funds.

Qualifying expenses include radio advertising, billboards, permanent signage, print advertising, social media, and graphic design. The grant can't be used for food, employee payroll, donations, infrastructure, equipment, clothing, and the reprinting of existing promotional material.

Applications are due on February 18, 2022, and farmers' markets can apply for the grant here.