Pingree helped triple funding for Farmers Market Promotion Program

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the USDA would be awarding $30 million in grants through the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program—triple the amount given out in prior years. The increase is due to Pingree's reforms in the 2014 reauthorization of the Farm Bill.

“This is a huge victory for Maine farmers, as well as consumers who value buying food directly from the people who produce it. The funding greatly increases the help farmers receive to reach new customers and get their products to market,” said Pingree. “At the same time, it invests in small businesses that keep the local supply chain running smoothly. It’s still a small amount compared to what the government spends on commodity crops, but it’s an important step. I fought hard for it because I know it will produce fantastic returns in our communities.”

The 2014 Farm Bill, which sets the nation's agriculture policy every five years, was signed into law by President Obama earlier this year. Pingree wrote and advocated for numerous provisions that will promote local agriculture, support sustainable farming, and help young farmers.

Pingree also announced today that USDA Rural Development is making $48 million in loan guarantees available for local food projects this year through the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program. The financing can support such project as food hubs, small-scale processing facilities, cold storage, and distribution networks.

“The move toward a healthier, more sustainable, and smaller-scale food system in our state has been a huge benefit to Maine’s economy. It’s created hundreds of jobs and kept millions of dollars in our state,” said Pingree. “I encourage local producers, businesses, and organizations to apply for these funds to keep the momentum going.”

Information on applying for the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program is available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_gar.html.

Information on applying for grants through the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program is available at: http://goo.gl/3u4qL