Are you a producer who sells produce at a Farmers' Market? Then you should get your Market Master to sign up for ISDA's Farmers' Market Cost Share Program. This program will reimburse your market 50% of the cost of advertising and promotional expenses up to $500.

To qualify for this funding your market needs to be listed in ISDA's Online AgriTourism & Farmers' Market Directory and any icons or images in your promotional and advertising pieces must be of specialty crops (i.e. fruits and vegetables) Simply fill out the application, and send ISDA copy's of your receipts along with examples of what your marketing items are (brochures, magnets, signs, etc.).

Funds for this program are provided through a previous years USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant which is to be used to solely enhance the competitiveness of Specialty Crops.  Applications are funded on a first come first served basis, so please apply soon!

While Mothers Day is still 30 days away, it's never too soon to be thinking about your mom.  Monsanto offers the "America's Farm Mom of the year award. If you know an outstanding farm mom, you can nominate her in 300 words or less telling how she contributes to her family, farm, community and agriculture. 


Nominations end May 8, 2011. Five regional winners will be announced in mid-May.  Each winner will receive a $5,000 prize. The national winner will receive an additional $2,500. Entries will be judged based on:
Supporting her Family -- What makes this mom really special to her family? What attributes are especially appreciated above and beyond all the daily tasks and responsibilities moms perform?

Supporting her Farm -- Whether it's keeping the books or driving a combine, how does the mom play an important role in the success of the family farm?

Supporting her Community -- How does this mom contribute to her community through involvement in agriculture organizations or support for other community activities?

Supporting Agriculture -- How does she share her passion for agriculture with others and how does she help educate consumers about ag?