Farmers’ markets and local food programs provide tons of fresh, locally sourced products each season. However, meeting the bottom line can be difficult. The United States Department of Agriculture is teaming up with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, West Virginia University, and West Virginia State University Extension Services to help those running markets and food programs learn to develop, write, and submit successful federal grant applications.
“These workshops will help provide the tools to submit competitive grant applications,” stresses Commissioner of Agriculture Walt Helmick.
Sessions are set for April in Morgantown and Beckley. Both are free to the public but registration is required. All materials and lunch will be provided.
WVU Agricultural Economist Dee Singh-Knights says the events focus on assisting farmers’ markets and local food programs to go after grants they may not have sought before. “The grant workshops ensure that more communities and businesses across the country can participate in the competitive grant process. We teach you to write proposals that create real economic opportunities and help meet the growing demand for locally and regionally produced food.”
The North Session will take place in Morgantown on April 2, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the WVU Agriculture Sciences Building, 3 Evansdale Way. This session will be simultaneously webcasted (address will be sent to those registering for this option), but in-person attendance is strongly encouraged.
The South Session will take place in Beckley on April 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center, 200 Armory Drive.
You can register for either session on-line at http://2016fmlfppgrantworkshop.eventbrite.com. If you have any questions, contact Dee Singh-Knights at dosingh-knights@mail.wvu.edu or by calling 304-293-7606.
