Rep. Huffman Announces Federal Grant for the Marin Farmers Market

October 14, 2014

WASHINGTON­—Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded  the Agriculture Institute of Marin (AIM) a $92,960 federal grant to complete the pre-development phase of the permanent home for the Marin Farmers Market. USDA awarded the grant through the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP), which aims to support local farms and ranches by developing or expanding local markets, including farmers markets.  AIM plans to create a permanent farmers market at the Marin County Civic Center to elevate the Marin Farmers Market from its current status as a temporary parking lot event.

“A permanent home for the Marin Farmers Market will bring the community together, increase access to locally and regionally-produced agricultural projects and support jobs,” Huffman said. “I am committed to helping Marin County bring this farmers market to fruition, and this USDA grant is an important step towards planning the project.”

"We couldn't be more excited to receive federal support for the permanent home for the Marin Farmers Market,” said Brigitte Moran, AIM CEO.  “This Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grant will help AIM  ensure a future for local and regional small-scale farms, bring about greater community health, and make local farm fresh healthy food and education more readily accessible to people of all ages and economic abilities. It takes a village to build a village, so AIM is inviting a community of supporters and contributors to help make a permanent farmers market and educational center a reality." 

The Marin Farmers Market is an award-winning, 32- year old community asset operated by AIM which sources regional quality food from small and medium-sized direct marketing producers.

In June, Huffman wrote a letter to the USDA supporting AIM’s Farmers Market Promotion Plan Proposal, the text of which can be found HERE or below:

Farmers Market Promotion Program
USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Room 4534-South Building Stop 0269
Washington, DC 20250-0269

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to support the proposal by Agricultural Institute of Marin 's (AIM) to USDA 's Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) for planning funds to enable the completion of the pre-development phase of the permanent home for the Marin Farmers Market on the Marin Civic Center Campus.

The Marin Farmers Market is an award-winning, 32- year old community asset operated by AIM which sources regional quality food from small and medium-sized direct marketing producers. AIM plans to create a permanent farmers market at the Marin County Civic Center to elevate the Marin Farmers Market from its current status as a temporary parking lot event. AIM's permanent farmers market will increase domestic consumption of, and access to, locally and regionally produced agricultural products by creating an expanded, more functional and substantially improved market place.

AIM's efforts clearly align with FMPP Program goals. California direct marketing producers have much to gain from this enlarged farmers market project.  AIM currently provides direct marketing opportunities for about 220 certified direct marketing producers selling in their certified farmers markets.  This project will create both expanded opportunities for its current group of producers, as well as create opportunities for more local and regional producers to direct market their products.

The project is supported by the community as demonstrated on June 3, when over 81% of the voters approved a ballot measure to grant permission for AIM to pursue a covered parking lot and facility on public property owned by the County of Marin. This kind of public-private partnership between county government and a well-established non-profit organization is the kind of innovative approach to meeting community needs that will serve as a model throughout our state and nation.

If approved, these funds will allow AIM to complete essential preconstruction project elements. I am committed to helping the county bring this farmers market project to completion, and I hope you will give their application your full and fair consideration.

Sincerely,

Jared Huffman
Member of Congress