The funding was awarded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) new Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP). The goal of FMPP is to increase domestic consumption of fresh agricultural products while providing support to farmers through farmers markets, roadside stands or other similar agricultural ventures.

U.S. Representative Mike Ross (AR-04) was joined by U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor in announcing today’s grants.

“Arkansas’ farmer’s markets provide a wonderful marketplace for our local farmers to distribute their fresh goods, and they are a tremendous resource for residents who want access to affordable, homegrown fruits and vegetables,” Ross said. “I am proud that Hot Springs will receive these important funds, as both local farmers and consumers will benefit from fresh, nutritional produce grown right here in Arkansas.”

“I congratulate the City of Hot Springs as one of only 20 communities across the country to receive this exciting funding," Lincoln said. "These federal dollars will allow the Farmers' Market to encourage more vendors to participate and give more area residents access to fresh, locally grown food.” 

“Farmers markets can play an important role in the economic growth of communities, as well as the health and well-being of the area.  I’m pleased families the Hot Springs will benefit from this federal investment, and I look forward to seeing the improvements this funding will bring,” Pryor said.

Hot Springs is one of 20 cities chosen nationwide out of a pool of more than 3,500 applicants to receive these first-time grants. The city plans to use the funds to address infrastructure needs, increase public awareness and diversify the vendor mix and customer base.

For more information, contact Jon Niven (Ross) at (202) 225-0753; Lisa Ackerman (Pryor) at (202) 224.2419 or Katie Laning (Lincoln) at (202) 224-4843.

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