[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 29 (Monday, February 12, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5371-5372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-2948]



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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[TM-96-00-200]


Notice of Program Continuation

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice inviting applications for fiscal year 1996 grant funds 
under the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Federal-State Marketing 
Improvement Program (FSMIP) was allocated $1,200,000 in the Federal 
budget for fiscal year 1996. Funds remain available for this program. 
States interested in obtaining funds under the program are invited to 
submit proposals. While only State Departments of Agriculture or other 
appropriate State Agencies are eligible to apply for funds, State 
Agencies are encouraged to involve industry organizations in the 
development of proposals and the conduct of projects.

DATES: Applications will be accepted through June 1, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Proposals may be sent to Dr. Larry V. Summers, FSMIP, Staff 
Officer, Transportation and Marketing Division, Agricultural Marketing 
Service (AMS), U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 2949 South 
Building, P.O. Box 96456, Washington, D.C. 20090-6456.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Larry V. Summers, (202) 720-2704.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FSMIP is authorized under Section 204(b) of 
the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 (7 

[[Page 5372]]
U.S.C. 1621 et seq.). The program is a matching fund program designed 
to assist State Departments of Agriculture in conducting studies or 
developing innovative approaches related to the marketing of 
agricultural products. Other organizations interested in participating 
in this program should contact their State Department of Agriculture's 
Marketing Division to discuss their proposal.
    Mutually acceptable proposals must be submitted through the State 
Agency and be accompanied by a completed Standard Form 424 and detailed 
budget statement. FSMIP funds may not be used for advertising or, with 
limited exceptions, for the purchase of equipment or facilities. 
Guidelines may be obtained from your State Department of Agriculture or 
the above AMS contact.
    States are encouraged to submit proposals aimed at:
    (1) Identifying and evaluating new uses, markets, and marketing 
systems for agricultural products, both domestically and 
internationally;
    (2) Improving the efficiency of marketing processes and systems, 
including direct marketing, to enhance competitiveness and 
profitability;
    (3) Improving or maintaining the quality and marketability of 
agricultural products through new handling, processing, and 
distribution techniques; and,
    (4) Assessing opportunities for alternative crops, direct 
marketing, and farmers' markets to enhance income and market access for 
small or limited resource farmers.
    Proposals addressing other marketing objectives or issues also will 
receive consideration.
    FSMIP is listed in the ``Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance'' 
under number 10.156 and subject agencies must adhere to Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination in all Federally 
assisted programs.

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627.

    Dated: February 5, 1996.
Lon Hatamiya,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 96-2948 Filed 2-9-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P