Agricultural Industry Applying for Grants to Reduce Trade Barriers, Promote Markets.Business Editors, Agriculture Writers OLYMPIA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 7, 2001 The state Department of Agriculture announced today a market promotion and trade barrier matching-fund grant program of $2.1 million. Commodity commissions, industry associations and non-profit organizations A non-profit organization (abbreviated "NPO", also "non-profit" or "not-for-profit") is a legally constituted organization whose primary objective is to support or to actively engage in activities of public or private interest without any commercial or monetary profit purposes. representing diverse food and grower interests may apply for the funds. The deadline for the first round of grants is Nov. 30 with applications to be selected and awarded by January. Two additional rounds are scheduled for July and November of next year. The suggested scope of grant proposals ranges from $10,000 to $50,000. "Promoting international markets for our farmers and food processors is a long term benefit to state agriculture," said Janet Leister leis·ter n. A three-pronged spear used in fishing. tr.v. leis·tered, leis·ter·ing, leis·ters To spear (a fish) with a leister. , manager of the Food and Agriculture Marketing Program. Market promotion funds may be used for in-store promotions, sales missions, trade shows, and other domestic or international marketing activities. The trade barrier fund provides "seed" money for industry groups to match with other funds to fight issues such as tariffs This is a list of tariffs and trade legislation:
This matching fund program for market promotions and trade barriers was funded for the first time by the Legislature in this past session for $700,000. With the one-time $10.1 million federal specialty crop funds allocated to Washington state, more funds were added to these new innovative programs. "The Legislature recognized that having this type of grant program is essential to maintain the economic vitality vi·tal·i·ty n. 1. The capacity to live, grow, or develop. 2. Physical or intellectual vigor; energy. of agriculture," Leister said. She noted the broad agricultural sector contributed $4 billion in international sales last year, the second largest export category for the state. An advisory committee will assist Leister's staff in reviewing the applications. Proposals are expected to come from industries such as tree fruits, vegetables and row crops, shellfish shellfish, popular name for certain edible mollusks (see Mollusca), e.g., oysters, clams, and scallops, and for certain edible crustaceans, e.g., crabs, lobsters, and shrimps. All are aquatic invertebrates with shells; they are not fish. and seafood seafood Edible aquatic animals excluding mammals, but including both freshwater and ocean creatures. Seafood includes bony and cartilaginous fishes, crustaceans, mollusks, edible jellyfish, sea turtles, frogs, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers. , berries and specialty crops, bulk commodities, and processed foods and beverages. To receive an application for the grants, contact Leisa Schumaker at lschumaker@agr.wa.gov. |
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