About the Program
The Food Safety Outreach Competitive Grants Program is authorised under the Food Safety Modernization Act (2011).
Under the program, competitive grants will be awarded to projects that develop, implement FSMA-related food safety training, education, extension, outreach and technical assistance to owners and operators of small and medium-sized farms, beginning farmers, socially disadvantaged farmers, small processors or small fresh fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers.
The program seeks to solicit new Community Outreach Projects and Collaborative Education and Training Projects.
- Community Outreach Projects – will support the development of new food safety education and outreach programs in local communities and expand upon existing food safety education and outreach programs that address the needs of small, specialized audiences whose education needs have not previously been adequately addressed.
- Collaborative Education and Training Projects – will support the development of multi-county, state-wide or multi-state programs.
Award Information
The anticipated available funding for the Food Safety Outreach Competitive Grants Program is $8 million.
- Community Outreach Projects (awards: $80,000 – $150,000) – An additional $150,000 is available for Collaborative Engagement Supplements, for a total budget of $300,000.
- Collaborative Education and Training Projects (awards: $200,000 – $400,000) – An additional $150,000 is available for Collaborative Engagement Supplements, for a total budget of $550,000.
The awarding official will make grants to responsible and eligible applicants whose applications are judged most meritorious under the procedures set forth in the Request for Application.
Eligibility Requirements
Entities are eligible to apply to the RFA if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- The Cooperative Extension Service for a U.S. State or Territory;
- Non-government organization and/or community-based organization representing owners and operators of farms, small food processors, or small fruit and vegetable merchant wholesalers that has a commitment to public health and expertise in administering programs that contribute to food safety;
- Federal, State, local or tribal agencies;
- An institution of higher education, or a foundation maintained by an institution of higher education;
- A collaboration of two or more eligible entities.
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