366: Past Tents, Future Tents | Reza Djalal: Putting The Farmers Market in FMPP

The USDA just opened the Local Agricultural Market Program (LAMP) request for proposals and Farmers Market Promotion Program applications are due on June 5th. This funding has been a moving target the last couple of years, with tight deadlines,  slow responses and sometimes sudden terminations to confirmed contracts. Still, the grant amounts are some of the largest available to farmers markets seeking to accomplish big, multi-year projects. 

This week we're talking to Reza Djalal of the Adams County Farmers Market. He's been part of a successful FMPP grant project and is submitting again this year. Listen in as we chat about:

• What kind of preparation will help meet this tight deadline 

• Framing your project as one that helps farmers

• Checking meticulously for typos and math errors 

• The weight USDA gives to naming partners (like Farmers Market Pros)

• Making your 35 page proposal "beautiful"