FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. OBJECTIVES: To increase overall food marketing efficiency, thereby lowering the cost of marketing food through technical assistance to States and municipalities interested in creating or upgrading markets and marketing facilities. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Advisory Services and Counseling; Training. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Assistance provided in cooperation with other government agencies and private industry to reduce marketing costs. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Other government agencies and private industry. State, trade associations, universities, and other nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for cooperative agreements. Beneficiary Eligibility: Producers, processors, marketing agencies, and general public. Credentials/Documentation: Cost will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments, or OMB Circular No. A-21 for Educational Institutions. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372 "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs". An applicant should consult the office of 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: Contact Vacant, Deputy Administrator, Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. 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: As provided for in the Act. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: As provided for in the Act. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: As provided for in the Agreement. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR Part 3052, which implement OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 7 CFR 3052. Records: As provided for in the Agreement. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-2500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Advisory Services and Counseling) FY 05 $2,736,000; FY 06 est $3,751,000; and FY 07 est $3,807,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not applicable. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 2004, 15 projects/studies were completed. It is estimated that 12 projects/studies will be completed in fiscal year 2005, and 12 projects/studies in fiscal year 2006. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: None. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Vacant, Deputy Administrator, Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 690-1305. Contact: Vacant. Web Site Address: http://www.ams.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Study on the design of central refrigeration systems in modern food centers; study of wholesale and farmers' market use for distributing produce. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.165 PERIS HABLE AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES ACT FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF AUTHORIZATION: Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act of 1930, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 499a-4995; Produce Agency Act, 7 U.S.C. 491-497. OBJECTIVES: To suppress unfair and fraudulent practices in the marketing of perishable agricultural commodities in interstate and foreign commerce. To prevent the destruction or dumping, without good and sufficient cause of farm produce received in interstate commerce by commission merchants and others and to require them truly and correctly to account for all farm produce received by them. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Investigation of Complaints. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Assistance provided to assure a fair and open marketing distribution system for agricultural products. No specific restrictions. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Business and industry or individuals may apply for a PACA license. Beneficiary Eligibility: Business and industry or individuals may apply for a PACA license. Credentials/Documentation: As provided for in the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act, 1930 as amended, 7 U.S.C. 499a-4995; Produce Agency Act, 7 U.S.C. 491-497. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Contact appropriate area offices listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Award Procedure: None. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Not applicable. Appeals: As provided for in applicable Acts. Renewals: As provided for in applicable Acts. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable. opportunities; and develop, or aid in the development of, new farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer infrastructures. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Projects must improve and expand, or assist in the improvement and expansion of, domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, communitysupported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities through innovative approaches to market operations and management, improving access to relevant marketing and financial information, and consumer-based education and market access. Eligible entities must apply for FMPP funds on behalf of direct marketing operations that include two or more farmers/farm vendors who produce and sell their own products through a common distribution channel. Use of funds are based on documented needs, excluding, however, routine operational expenses such as management salaries or other salaries associated with normal operation of farm markets/marketing entities, utility bills, and insurance premiums. FMPP grant funds cannot be used to pay for acquisition, repair, rehabilitation, or construction of a building or facility; acquisition of land; political or lobbying activities; or any activities prohibited by 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3019. Additional detail and justification must be provided for any purchase that is expected to exceed $5,000. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Agricultural cooperatives, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers market authorities, and Tribal governments. Projects must be located within the 50 States or the District of Columbia. Beneficiary Eligibility: Direct marketing operations that include two or more farm vendors who produce and sell their own products through a common marketing channel, and consumers. Credentials/Documentation: Applicants must provide documentation as to how they meet the definition of an eligible entity. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: 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: Applicants must submit forms SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B, an eligibility statement, a narrative description of the proposal including project title, executive summary, goals, background, workplan and resource requirements, and expected results, a supplemental budget summary, and any supporting documents such as letters of support. Award Procedure: Applications are reviewed and approved or disapproved by the Agricultural Marketing Service in competition with other applications received. Grantees are notified of the amount awarded by allotment letter. Grant payments are made on a reimbursable basis. Deadlines: Contact the Farmers Market Promotion Program contact for application deadlines. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: 120 to 180 days from the application deadline. Appeals: Not applicable. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Projects are not to exceed 18 months. Grant payments are made on an asneeded basis over the grant period. Advance payments may be requested. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: year and at 6-month intervals for projects of longer duration. A final report of results and accomplishments and form SF 269A must be submitted no later than 90 days after the grant ends. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR Part 3052, which implement OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 7 CFR 3052. Records: Grantees and sub-grantees must keep all records relating to the grant for 3 years from the date the SF 269A is submitted to the Agricultural Marketing Service. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-2501-0-1-352. Obligations: FY 05 not available; FY 06 est $1,000,000; and FY 07 not available. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: The maximum grant is $75,000. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Guidelines for the Farmer Market Promotion Program are posted at http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/MSB/index.htm or may be obtained from the Farmers Market Promotion Program contact. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Farmers Market Promotion Program, Marketing Services Branch, Transportation and Marketing Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA, Room 2646-South, STOP 0269, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C., 20250-0269. Telephone: (202) 720-8317. Contact: Errol Bragg. Web Site Address: http://www.ams.usda.gov/tmd/MSB/index.ht RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Applications are evaluated on the following criteria: need for the project, direct benefit to farmers/vendors, project innovation, degree of collaboration/partnerships and farmer/producer participation, quantitative evaluation and measurement of the project's impact, long-term project sustainability, transferability of project outcomes, and reasonableness of the budget. 10.169 SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (SPECIALTY CROP BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM) FEDERAL AGENCY: AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act of 2004, Section 101, 7 U.S.C. 1621 note. OBJECTIVES: To increase fruit, vegetable, and nut consumption and improve the competitiveness of United States specialty crop producers. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Projects must enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: State department of agriculture, agency, commission, or department of a State government responsible for agriculture within the State. Beneficiary Eligibility: Producers, processors, marketing agencies, universities, and general public. Credentials/Documentation: Reports: Progress reports are required at the midpoint of projects approved for one A grant agreement is entered into between the Agricultural Marketing Service and the State department of agriculture that submits the application. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: This program is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. See the Notice related to 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V published at 48 FR 29115 (June 24, 1983). Application Procedure: The State department of agriculture submits SF-424 and a State plan identifying the lead agency charged with the responsibility of carrying out the plan and indicating how the grant funds will be utilized to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Award Procedure: Applications are reviewed by the Agricultural Marketing Service. Grantees are notified of the amount awarded by allotment letter. Grant payments are made by the electronic transfer system. Deadlines: The Agricultural Marketing Service annually publishes application dates and deadlines in the Federal Register. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: 90 to 180 days from the application deadline. Appeals: No formal appeal procedure. Renewals: Awards are for 3 years. Additional time to complete the project may be requested. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Each State that applies is to receive $100,000. In addition, each State will receive an amount that represents the proportion of the value of specialty crop production in the state in relation to the national value of specialty crop production using the latest available complete specialty crop production data set in all states whose applications are accepted. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Funds are advanced in one lump sum. Applicants generally have 3 years to use the funds, but extensions may be granted. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Annual performance reports are required. A final performance report and financial report are required within 90 days after the expiration date of the grant period. Audits: The State is required to conduct an audit of the expenditures of specialty crop block grant funds in accordance with Government Auditing Standards not later than 60 days after expiration of the grant period. Not later than 30 days after completion of the audit, the State shall submit a copy of the audit results with an executive summary to the Agricultural Marketing Service. Records: The State shall retain financial and other records relating to the funds and these programs for a period of three years after expiration of the grant period or until final resolution of any audit findings or litigation claims relating to this program. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-2501-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 NA; FY 06 $7,000,000; and FY 07 not available. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: New program, not applicable. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: New program, not applicable. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: New program, not applicable. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Project Manager, Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 2086-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 690-4942, Fax: (202) 690-0102. Web Site Address: New program, not applicable. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: New program, not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Proposals are evaluated based on the potential for enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops. 10.200 GRANTS FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, SPECIAL RESEARCH GRANTS (Special Research Grants) FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Section 2(c), Public Law 89-106, 7 U.S.C. 450i(c), as amended. OBJECTIVES: To carry out research, to facilitate or expand promising breakthroughs in areas of the food and agricultural sciences of importance to the nation and to facilitate or expand on-going State-Federal food and agricultural research programs. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Areas of basic and applied research and extension and education are generally limited to high priority problems of a regional or national scope. Areas currently awarded on a competitive basis include Pest Management Alternatives and Citrus Tristeza Research. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Special Research Grants: State agricultural experiment stations, all colleges and universities, other research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, private organizations or corporations and individuals having a demonstrable capacity to conduct research activities to facilitate or expand promising breakthroughs in areas of the food and agricultural sciences of importance to the United States. Beneficiary Eligibility: For Special Research Grants: State agricultural experiment stations, all colleges and universities, other research institutions and organizations, Federal agencies, private organizations or corporations and individuals having a demonstrable capacity to conduct research activities to facilitate or expand promising breakthroughs in areas of the food and agricultural sciences of importance to the United States. Credentials/Documentation: None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A87. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: All proposal solicitations are published on the Agency's Web site. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Formal proposals are solicited and should be submitted to the Proposal Services Unit, Competitive Programs, CSREES, USDA, as outlined in the guidelines and/or requests for proposals. Application procedures are contained in the guidelines or request for applications. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110, Special Research Grants Program Administrative Provisions. Award Procedure: Proposals are reviewed by a peer panel of qualified scientists and other appropriate persons who are specialists in the field covered by the proposal. Proposals are funded in order of merit to the extent permitted by available funds. Deadlines: Specific deadlines dates are announced on Agency's Web site and in the request for applications or guidelines for each fiscal year. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 4 to 6 months. Appeals: None. Renewals: Requests for renewal support must be submitted as new proposals at the announced deadline, and are considered in equal competition with other proposals. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: As announced in the request for applications. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: From 1 to 3 years. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: Quarterly financial reports. Annual progress reports. Final financial and final summary progress reports. Audits: Audits will be conducted in accordance with guidelines established in the revised OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," and implemented in 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations." Records: Grantees are expected to maintain separate records for each grant to ensure that funds are used for the purpose for which the grant was made. Records are subject to inspection during the life of the grant and for three years thereafter. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1500-0-1-352. Obligations: (Grants) FY 05 $126,456,572; FY 06 $132,138,902; and FY 07 est $16,954,704. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $56,664 to $9,549,325. Average: $46,183. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Example of accomplishments: To address some problems of the small fruit industry, one State conducted research on a variety of small fruit crops as outlined by the industry on breeding and genetics, plant viruses and diseases, integrated pest management, processing, plant hardiness, plant physiological factors, and marketing. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Pages 50994-50996 and 50998-50999, Federal Register, Vol. 54, No. 236, Part IX, December 11, 1989; 7 CFR 3015, Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations; 7 CFR Part 3017, Government wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace (Grants); 7 CFR Part 3018, New Restrictions on Lobbying; 7 CFR Part 3019 (Uniform Federal Assistance Regulations for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations; 7 CFR 3400, Special Research Grants Administrative Provisions, Federal Register, November 15, 1991, Vol 56, No. 221, pages 58146-58152. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: None. Headquarters Office: Competitive Programs, Proposal Services Unit, Stop 2245, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-2245 Telephone: (202) 401-5048. Web Site Address: http://www.reeusda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.001, Agricultural Research_Basic and Applied Research; 10.202, Cooperative Forestry Research; 10.203, Payments to Agricultural Experiment Stations Under the Hatch Act; 10.205, Payments to 1890 Land-Grant Colleges and Tuskegee University; 10.206, Grants for Agricultural Research_Competitive Research Grants; 10.207, Animal Health and Disease Research; 10.215, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education; 10.219, Biotechnology Risk Assessment Research; 10.250, Agricultural and Rural Economic Research; 10.652, Forestry Research. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research Program; Arid Rangelands; Economic Impacts of Agricultural and Macroeconomic Policy on the U.S. Livestock; Cataloging Genes Associated with Drought or Disease Resistances in Crop Plants. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Within guidelines established for the program; overall scientific and technological quality of proposal; research competence of the principal investigator(s), research team and support personnel; adequacy of facilities, equipment, and related program support; justification of support requested in relation to objectives and procedures; feasibility of attaining objectives during life of proposed research; awareness of published literature and current research related to proposed research; relevance of importance of proposed research to solution of specific areas of inquiry; and estimate of expected benefits. 10.202 COOPERATIVE FORES TRY RESEARCH (McIntire-Stennis Act) FEDERAL AGENCY: COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND EXTENSION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Cooperative Forestry Research Act of 1962, Public Law 87-788, 16 U.S.C. 582a-7; Education Amendments of 1972, Section 506, Public Law 92-318; Education Amendments of 1980, Section 1361, Public Law 96-374, 7 U.S.C. 301 note; Public Law 97-98; Public Law 99-198; Public Law 101624; Public Law 104-127. OBJECTIVES: To encourage and assist the States in carrying on a program of State forestry research at State forestry schools, and to develop a trained pool of forest scientists capable of conducting needed forestry research. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Formula Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Forestry research at certified State institutions in the nine categories which follow: (1) Reforestation and management of land for the production of crops of timber and other related products of the forest; (2) management of forest and related watershed lands to improve conditions of water flow and to protect resources against flood and erosion; (3) management of forest and related rangeland for production of forage and domestic livestock and game and improvement of food and habitat for wildlife; (4) management of forest lands for outdoor recreation; (5) protection of forest lands for outdoor recreation; (6) protection of forest resources against fire, insects, diseases, or other destructive agents; (7) utilization of wood and other forest products; (8) development of sound policies for the management of forest lands and the harvesting and marketing of forest products; and (9) such other studies as may be necessary to obtain the fullest and most effective use of forest resources. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Funds are appropriated by Congress for distribution to State institutions certified as eligible by a State representative designated by the Governor of each State. Funds are apportioned among States by the Secretary of Agriculture after consultation with a National Advisory Council representing the State- certified forestry schools and other groups concerned with forestry research. This program is also available to Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and Micronesia. Beneficiary Eligibility: Funds are appropriated by Congress for distribution to State institutions certified as eligible by a State representative designated by the Governor of each State. Funds are apportioned among States by the Secretary of Agriculture after consultation with a National Advisory Council representing the State- certified forestry schools and other groups concerned with forestry research. This program is also available in Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana, and Micronesia. Credentials/Documentation: None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: All proposal solicitations are published on the Agency's Web site. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: No application required for the release of funds but funds can be expended |