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News Room
- News
Release
Agricultural
Marketing Grants Announced for Groups Across Massachusetts
March 27, 2001
BOSTON – Agricultural organizations
across the Commonwealth have been awarded $93,743.50 in marketing
grants, according to Massachusetts Commissioner of Food and Agriculture
Jonathan L. Healy. The grant program, now in its third year, is
part of the state Department of Food and Agriculture’s campaign
to increase consumer awareness of local agriculture and expand the
market for Massachusetts products.
The grants are awarded on a competitive
basis. A dollar match, in-kind services match or a combination is
required. This year 25 non-profit agricultural organizations, commodity
groups and cooperatives have been selected for grants ranging from
$800-$10,000 to implement statewide and community-based marketing
projects.
"We are very excited to
be able to provide additional marketing funds to a variety of agricultural
organizations across the Commonwealth," said Commissioner Jonathan
L. Healy. "Farmers and consumers alike will reap the benefits
of the projects funded this year. We appreciate the efforts of these
groups to help improve the viability of farming in Massachusetts."
Projects funded this year
are:
The Open Field Foundation:
advertising and promotion to assist with the direct marketing of
lamb. $3,000.
Berkshire Area Farmers’ Market:
Radio and newspaper advertisement for the farmers’ market season.
$2,720.50.
Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce:
To update Farm Stand Brochure of the Blackstone River Valley, web
page development. $800.
Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association: Promotional/
marketing campaign for a Japanese Healthy "Crane" Berry
Campaign - geared to the Japanese bridal market. $5,000.
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA):
Funding to assist in the development of promotional material and
placement of advertising for its’ first annual Fall Feast and
Farm Tour.$3.000.
Eastern Native Seed Conservancy:
Funding of marketing promotions of the Heirloom Tomato Field Project.
Specifically for printing of brochures promoting/ educating about
tastings throughout the state. $2,000.
Farm City Festival in Canton:
Promotion of Festival through GroPak promotion to schools, promotional
pamphlet, extensive outreach to schoolchildren.$5,397.
Greater Worcester Farmers’ Markets:
Promotional materials to promote the Worcester Farmers’ Markets
(three locations: Shrewsbury, Sturbridge & Worcester) which
will include: signs, banners, printed plastic bags, advertising,
and linen calendars. $2,175.
Lawrence Downtown Farmers’ Market:
Promotion of Farmers’ Market. $2,950.
Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom:
Funding for a portable promotional exhibit, publish a Spring 2001
Newsletter, printing of weather proof banner, provide educational
material to target classrooms and partner with Chefs Collaborative.
$10,000.
Massachusetts Agricultural Promotional Board:
Mugs and plaques presented to legislators on Agriculture Day at
the State House. $1,040.
Massachusetts Aquaculture Association:
Seafest dinner to raise awareness about locally grown seafood. Funding
for advertising and promotion of the event and rental of shuttle
bus to Eastham Aquacultural Training Center.$1,520.
Massachusetts Flower Growers Association:
To assist with the funding of a statewide cable television video
promotion and to list buyers guide/directory on their website. $10,000.
Massachusetts Fruit Grower’s Association:
To develop a website for the Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association.
$1,000.
Massachusetts 4-H Foundation:
For support for the Spring 2001 issue of COMPASS, their statewide
newsletter. $1,601.
Massachusetts Maple Association:
The development of a professional "Sell Sheet" of all
their educational materials, development of color video jackets
for their candy making video, maple recipe brochure and display
unit panels. $2,910.
Massachusetts NOFA:Requested
Funding: To assist with the funding of their annual Organic Food
Guide. $2,000.
Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA):
To assist with the development and implementation of a "Hometown"
Marketing Initiative $10,000.
Massachusetts Roadside Stand Association/ PYO Association:
Consumer farmstand brochure and website improvement. $4,600.
Natick Center Farmers’ Market:
Funding for 12 educational events increased advertising in newspaper,
signage including a banner. $3,350.
New England MacIntosh Growers Association:
To promote and distribute MacIntosh apples as the official apple
of the 2001 Boston Marathon. $7,500.
Seeds of Solidarity Education Center:
To assist with the implementation of a Garlic Festival. $3,975.
South End Farmers’ Market:
Funds for media advertising, promotional flyer and light pole banners
to promote upcoming market season.$2,150.
The X Main Street Corporation:
Funding for advertising, Kid’s Day activities, web page implementation,
signage and newsletter. $3,000.
West Barnstable Farmers’ Market:.
Promotion/ publicity of the farmers’ market during the market
season. $1205.
Massachusetts’ 6,000 farms
produced some $454 million in agricultural products last year and
maintain nearly 600,000 acres of open space. The Bay State’s
major crops include cranberries, apples, and other fruit; greenhouse
and nursery products; vegetables; and dairy products.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Diane Baedeker Petit, 617-626-1752 or
PROGRAM CONTACT:
Mary Jordan, 617-626-1750
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