The National Potato Promotion Board will give qualified seed growers, state seed organizations and grower co-ops up to $25,000 per year to launch marketing efforts in international markets. Interested growers have until June 15, 2001 to submit summer proposals for grants.
The Board will review the proposals and give approval to qualifying projects on August 15, 2001. Growers can then apply the grant money to accepted projects for the 2001-2002 marketing year.
The Board specifies that all funded projects must be grower orientated. The Board will not grant funding to brokers or seed dealers.
The Board is looking for projects with specific characteristics, including set goals and a definition of success. The projects also must adhere to certification requirements and quality guidelines as well as market development and variety trial standards set by the Board.
The Board will distribute funds on a reimbursement basis. Growers need to track expenditures of accepted projects and provide proper documentation for reimbursement.
For more information, contact Jennifer Kane at (303) 873-2323 or at jkane@uspotatoes.com.