FEDERAL AGENCY:

AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

AUTHORIZATION:

Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, Section 204b, 7 U.S.C. 1623(b).

To solve marketing problems at the State and local level through pilot marketing service projects conducted by States.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Projects may deal in such areas as providing marketing services to improve the marketability of agricultural products, expand export markets, improve economic and physical marketing efficiency, assemble and disseminate marketing information, and improve competitive trading.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   State Department of Agriculture, or other appropriate State agencies.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Producers, processors, marketing agencies, and general public.

Credentials/Documentation:   A grant agreement is entered into between the administering Federal agency and the State agency that makes the application. Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.

Pre-application Coordination:   This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   The State agency submits an application and fund request setting forth specific work to be undertaken and amount of funds required. This request is submitted to the Staff Officer of the Federal, State Marketing Improvement Program. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.

Award Procedure:   The requests are reviewed and approved or disapproved by the Agricultural Marketing Service. Grantee is notified of the amount awarded by allotment letter.

Deadlines:   None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Approximately 60 days.

Appeals:   No formal appeal procedure.

Renewals:   A project is approved for a period up to 3 years.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   States contribute at least one half the cost and perform the work with State personnel.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Annually. Payments are made to the States on a quarterly basis.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Six month Progress Reports, annual financial report, and annual narrative report of activities and project accomplishments submitted to the Staff Officer, Federal - State Marketing Improvement Program. Field reviews are made by Federal - State Marketing Improvement Program personnel.

Audits:   In accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," which implement OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 7 CFR 3052.

Records:   States must keep accounting records on file to identify all items and amounts for 3 years.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   12-2501-0-1-352.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 01 $1,347,000; FY 02 est $1,347,000; and FY 03 est $1,347,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   $17,800 to $80,000. Average: $46,154.

In fiscal year 2001, 68 projects were submitted and 34 projects were funded. In fiscal year 2002, it is estimated that 65 projects will be submitted and 30 projects will be funded. In fiscal year 2003, it is estimated that 65 projects will be submitted and 30 projects will be funded.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

A Guide to Procedures Relating to Marketing Service Programs.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   None.

Headquarters Office:   Staff Officer, Federal-State Marketing Improvement Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 690-1305 Contact: Vacant.

Web Site Address:   http://www.ams.usda.gov