The Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP) is a grant program offered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources in coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). FSMIP provides funding to support the exploration of new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products. It also fosters research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of agricultural marketing systems. This program is designed to benefit multiple producers or agribusinesses, ensuring sector-wide improvements rather than individual business gains.

The FSMIP grants require a one-to-one dollar match and are intended to support applied research projects that address barriers, challenges, and opportunities in marketing, transportation, and distribution of U.S. food and agricultural products. Eligible agricultural categories include poultry, livestock, dairy, food, feed and fiber crops, fish and shellfish, horticulture, viticulture, apiary, and forest products. In addition to these traditional categories, FSMIP has expanded to include projects on nutraceuticals, bioenergy, compost, and agricultural residue-based products. Proposals may focus on different stages of the marketing chain, from direct sales to wholesale and retail distribution.

Eligible applicants for FSMIP funds include State Departments of Agriculture, State Agricultural Experiment Stations, and other appropriate agencies. These entities may collaborate with universities, institutions, producer organizations, industry groups, or community-based organizations as applicable. However, FSMIP does not fund projects benefiting only a single farm or agribusiness. Instead, projects must demonstrate broad industry or sector impact, whether on a state, regional, or national level. Unique pilot projects or case studies are encouraged if they include an evaluation component that explores scaling or expansion.

Applications for the FSMIP grant must be submitted following the guidelines outlined in the Request for Response (RFR). Proposals must be physically received by the deadline date, which is March 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Informational webinars will be held for interested applicants on February 11, 2025, and March 5, 2025, providing an opportunity to ask questions and gain clarity on the application process. The FSMIP RFR and related documentation are available on COMMBUYS under Bid # BD-25-1002-1003-001-111963.

Projects funded by FSMIP should focus on determining best practices for agricultural marketing, assessing cost efficiencies, developing marketing methods, and improving quality and consistency in commercial agricultural practices. FSMIP also seeks to eliminate artificial barriers to market movement and expand both domestic and international markets for U.S. agricultural products. Additionally, projects must comply with applicable federal, state, and local public health regulations at the time of implementation.

Applicants must submit proposals via email to Keri Cornman at Keri.Cornman@mass.gov. For further inquiries, Keri Cornman can be reached at 617-620-0200. The FSMIP program offers an opportunity for organizations to enhance agricultural marketing efficiencies, expand market access, and contribute to a more sustainable agricultural economy.