Press Room ::

For Release:
June 30, 2008

For more information:
Kim Porter
Farmers’ Market Program Manager
Wyoming Business Council
Office: 307.777.6319

Matt Cox
Senior Marketing and Public Relations Specialist
Wyoming Business Council
Office: 307.777.2833

Wyoming Business Council to offer Farmers’ Market Fuel Grant

CHEYENNE –The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) has created the Farmers’ Market Fuel Reimbursement Grant to help Wyoming producers offset transportation costs associated with participating in the state’s numerous farmers’ markets.

“Farmers’ market managers across the state are struggling to get vendors because of the high fuel prices. This grant was set up to provide an incentive for producers to participate in farmers’ markets and get local products into Wyoming communities,” said Kim Porter, Wyoming Business Council Farmers’ Market Program Manager.

Producers travelling 60 miles or more one way can be awarded up to half the federal mileage rate to a maximum of $1,000 per year.

“We have seen a lot of interest in locally grown foods. This grant helps connect Wyoming producers to Wyoming markets,” said Business Council Agribusiness Director Cindy Garretson-Weibel. “I would encourage everyone to visit one of Wyoming’s 26 farmers’ markets and buy locally grown food and agricultural products.”

To qualify for a fuel reimbursement grant, applicants must meet the following requirements: must be a Wyoming producer travelling to a Wyoming
farmers’ market; products can include fruits, vegetables, meats and other value-added agriculture products; eligible expenditures will be fuel costs at half the federal mileage rate which is currently .29 cents; and producers must meet specific income eligibility requirements based on annual net farm income and family size.

Applicants must complete the Farmers’ Market Fuel Reimbursement Grant Application at the beginning of the market season. Once the application is approved, costs will be reimbursed for expenditures incurred between July 1 and November 1, 2008 up to the maximum of $1,000 per year. Funds are limited and applicants who qualify will be approved on a first come first serve basis.

The application deadline is August 30, 2008.
“This grant opportunity is especially important for the vendors from smaller farms and ranches,” said Kristi Baxley, Downtown Farmers’ Market Manager, Rawlins. “Everyone involved with farmers’ markets statewide understands the obstacle high gas prices have become for our vendors,” she said. “I’m very excited about the program.”

For more information or to receive an application, call Kim Porter at (307) 777-6319 or email her at kim.porter@wybusiness.org.

The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, please visit our Web site at www.wyomingbusiness.org.


The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.wyomingbusiness.org.

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