Thought the following might be of interest.

--
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm
www.thistlecovefarm.com
www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com

*West Virginia hopes to develop four new, year-round farmers' markets with
grant funding*

*Oct. 17* - The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is seeking proposals
from local governments and other non-profit entities interested in
developing new farmers' markets, or substantially improving existing
markets. Four $50,000 grants will be awarded and must be matched by local
funding.

"The goal of this project is to create four year-round markets in the state
to complement our growing Farmers' Market industry," said Commissioner of
Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. "The new markets will provide additional
outlets for local produce farmers, as well as build consumer recognition of
West Virginia's numerous value-added food products. The result is better
business in West Virginia's rural communities and fresh food for the state's
consumers. It will also build confidence in West Virginia's homegrown
products."

Commissioner Douglass noted that consumer demand for locally grown food has
increased dramatically over the past 15 years, in particular over the past
two or three years due to national safety concerns and price hikes related
to fuel costs.

"West Virginia has bucked the trend, nationally. West Virginia was one of
four states in 2006 to report an increase in farms, and the number of
farmers' markets in the state has more than tripled since 1994."

Commissioner Douglass also noted that between 1992 and 2002, the value of
West Virginia agricultural products sold directly to consumers increased
from $1.1 million to nearly $4.6 million.

"West Virginia leads the nation in the percentage of family-owned farms at
over 95 percent, and we have a robust seasonal farmers' market program. This
initiative will propel us even further ahead of the curve. I am looking
forward to seeing what kind of proposals we receive," said Commissioner
Douglass."

Proposals must be made by West Virginia agricultural cooperatives, local
governments, non-profit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic
development corporations or regional farmers' market authorities. They must
contain a project description, goals, stages of work and resources required,
expected time frames and the primary manager responsible for the project.
They should also include entities that will benefit from the proposal and
any information related to the proposed site of, or improvements to, the
market facility.

Grant funding may be used for producer education programs, consumer
education programs, market operations, management innovations, and purchase
or construction of facilities.

Deadline for proposals is December 15, 2008. For more information, contact
the WVDA Marketing and Development Division at 304-558-2210.


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