If your farmers market is thinking about promotions this year, consider applying for cooperative advertising funding from the department. The funds, which are made possible through a grant from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, will pay half of the total cost of your 2018 advertising up to $2,500.
“There are more than 250 farmers markets across North Carolina, and many of them are operated by local municipalities and nonprofits,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We hope these grants will help offset the cost of advertising for these local markets, so they can better promote themselves and the farmers they represent.”
To qualify, all advertising must take place between March 1 and December 31, 2018. Eligible expenses include advertising on billboards, magazines, newspapers, television, radio and websites. Funds also can be used for promotional items, signage and brochures. Funds cannot be used for expenses related to trade show exhibits, product labels, shipping, mailing labels or postage.
If you’re interested in applying, you must complete a pre-approval form. Those are available by contacting NCDA&CS marketing specialist Kevin Hardison at 919-707-3123 or kevin.hardison@ncagr.gov.
A limited amount of funds are available, so farmers markets are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.