§3005. Farmers' Market Promotion Program

(a) Establishment

The Secretary shall carry out a program, to be known as the "Farmers' Market Promotion Program" (referred to in this section as the "Program"), to make grants to eligible entities for projects to establish, expand, and promote farmers' markets.

(b) Program purposes

(1) In general

The purposes of the Program are-

(A) to increase domestic consumption of agricultural commodities by improving and expanding, or assisting in the improvement and expansion of, domestic farmers' markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities; and

(B) to develop, or aid in the development of, new farmers' markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, and other direct producer-to-consumer infrastructure.

(2) Limitations

An eligible entity may not use a grant or other assistance provided under the Program for the purchase, construction, or rehabilitation of a building or structure.

(c) Eligible entities

An entity shall be eligible to receive a grant under the Program if the entity is-

(1) an agricultural cooperative;

(2) a local government;

(3) a nonprofit corporation;

(4) a public benefit corporation;

(5) an economic development corporation;

(6) a regional farmers' market authority; or

(7) such other entity as the Secretary may designate.

(d) Criteria and guidelines

The Secretary shall establish criteria and guidelines for the submission, evaluation, and funding of proposed projects under the Program.

(e) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2007.

(Pub. L. 94–463, §6, as added Pub. L. 107–171, title X, §10605(a), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 513 .)

Prior Provisions

A prior section 3005, Pub. L. 94–463, §6, Oct. 8, 1976, 90 Stat. 1983 ; Pub. L. 103–437, §4(a)(8), Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4582 , related to review of activities by Secretary and annual report to Congress, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105–362, title I, §101(d)(1), Nov. 10, 1998, 112 Stat. 3281 .