Money available to help with Farmer's Market

A year or so ago there was talk about a Farmer's Market in Linton at a couple of different locations.

Such talk hasn't been brought up at recent Linton City Council meetings, though it was a hot topic back in 2008.

I don't believe the Farmer's Market at Humphreys Park in Linton turned out to be as big of a success as some would have liked, but it was a step in the right direction. It normally takes babysteps before something really takes off.

Hopefully the idea isn't gone for good.

If someone out there wants to keep the Farmer's Market idea alive, there is money available to help.

State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) on Monday announced a $5 million grant fund for the Farmer's Market Promotion Program. This is a competitive, federal grant designed to improve and increase direct farmer-to-consumer marketing.

Community-supported agriculture programs, farmer's markets and roadside stands are targeted for the program.

"With the deadline to apply quickly approaching, I encourage anyone who is even a bit interested to apply now for this great opportunity," Rep. Borders said. "These are the types of grants that can help our community in these uncertain economic times."

The application deadline is April 27.

These grants would provide assistance with organizing, marketing, training, business plan development, community outreach and education to improve direct market opportunities.

Farmer's Market Promotion grants have been used in the past for educational workshops for farmer's market managers and vendors. Grants have also been used for advertising the markets.

The minimum grant amount given is $2,500 and the maximum amount is $100,000.

In awarding grants, the U.S. Department of Agriculture considers applications that:

* Develop new federal nutrition programs at farmer's markets.

* Offer training and education programs for new farm marketers on benefits, challenges and logistics of agricultural marketing in specific regions.

* Focus on recruitment and retention of new farmers to participate in farmer's markets.

* Improve and modernize the professional organization for farmer's market managers, vendors, boards and agricultural organizations in order to optimize performance and customer relations.

For more information about the grant application and the program go online to the Agricultural Marketing Service Web site at www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5075760&acct=fmpp or contact Traci Bruckner by e-mail at tracib@cfra.org or by phone at 402-687-2103 ext. 1016.

Couple

finds huge

mushrooms

Brett and Tina Mattox of Jasonville stopped by the office Tuesday morning to show off some mushrooms they found.

These weren't your ordinary mushrooms. One measured 10 inches. And they had a few more that were close to that size.

They didn't find them in a wooded area, or a "secret spot." Nope ... they were found along a county road near Gilmore, about three or four miles southwest of Jasonville.

They were driving along and Tina looked in the ditch and happen to notice something that looked like a mushroom. They stopped, and gathered their prize.

I wish finding mushrooms was that easy for me. I've gone twice and found none.

Happy eating, Brent and Tina.

Chris is the general manager/editor for the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at 847-4487 or 1-800-947-4487 or be e-mail at cpruett79@hotmail.com