STATE OF MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND COMMERCE CINDY HYDE-SMITH COMMISSIONER PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 9, 2015 Contact: Chaille Clements, Communications and Marketing Specialist (601) 359-1140 E-mail: chaille@mdac.ms.gov MS Department of Agriculture Accepting Applications for Marketing Improvement Program Jackson, Miss. – Commissioner Cindy Hyde-Smith announced that the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) is now accepting proposals for USDA’s Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP). MDAC will submit qualifying proposals to USDA on the applicant’s behalf. FSMIP provides matching funds on a competitive basis to State Departments of Agriculture, State Colleges and Universities, and other appropriate State agencies to assist in exploring new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural products and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of the marketing system. FSMIP funds a wide range of applied research projects that address barriers, challenges and opportunities in marketing, transporting and distributing U.S. food and agricultural products domestically and internationally. Eligible agricultural categories include poultry; livestock, dairy, and poultry products; food, feed, and fiber crops; fish and shellfish; horticulture, viticulture, apiary, and forest products; and processed or manufactured products derived from such commodities. Reflecting the growing diversity of US agriculture, in recent years, FSMIP accepts proposals dealing with nutraceuticals, bioenergy, compost, agroforestry products, and products made from agricultural residue. Federal funds awarded must be matched dollar-for-dollar by non-federal funds and/or in-kind resources. FSMIP projects should benefit multiple producers or agribusinesses. Grant funds will not be awarded for projects that solely benefit one individual or one agribusiness. Applications must be submitted to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce by 5:00 p.m. on May 1, 2015. Applications should be submitted to Michael Lasseter, MDAC, P.O. Box 1609, Jackson, MS 39215 or michaelL@mdac.ms.gov For additional information about this program or to obtain application guidelines, contact Michael Lasseter at (601) 359-1120 or michaelL@mdac.ms.gov or visit www.ams.usda.gov/FSMIP.