01-001 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY

1. DIVISION OF MARKET DEVELOPMENT

Chapter 170: RULES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE MAINE AGRICULTURAL PROMOTION ASSISTANCE MATCHING FUND

1. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1. The Maine Agricultural Promotion Assistance Matching Fund has been established to provide grants for promotional efforts designed to increase the demand for Maine agricultural products in existing markets and to identify new markets.

   It is expected that the sum of $36,000 will be appropriated for distribution each fiscal year. The range of funding will be up to the 50% level and will be based primarily on projected benefits. No grant may exceed 50% of the cost of a promotional project and no grant may exceed 25% of the yearly fund total. Funds will be allocated on a fiscal year basis and projects should be designed to be completed within one thirty-six month period. For the fiscal years 1983/84 and 1984/85, applications will be accepted through March 31, 1985. For subsequent fiscal years, applications will be accepted from January 1st through March 31st. Applicants will be notified of the Commissioner's decision by May 1st of each year.

2. DEFINITIONS

1. A. Fiscal Year means State of Maine fiscal year commencing July 1st and ending June 30th of each year.
   1. B. Promotion means action to further the popularity, awareness, sales and use of Maine agricultural products.

3. ELIGIBILITY

1. Applications will be accepted from individuals, incorporated commodity groups, producer cooperatives, firms, businesses and organizations engaged in the production, processing, marketing or promotion of Maine agricultural products.

4. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES

1. A. Preference will be given to new efforts of the applicant directed at new and existing markets both inside and outside of the State of Maine. Funding requests for expansion of existing programs will be considered and must be accompanied by a statement that the applicant is not decreasing commitment of overall funds for advertising and promotion.
   1. B. Eligible activities may include but are not limited to:
      1. (1) Media Advertising
      2. (2) Publicity-Public Relations
      3. (3) Merchandising
      4. (4) Development of Point-of-Purchase Materials
      5. (5) Trade Show Presentations
      6. (6) Contests
      7. (7) Package or Label Design
      8. (8) Printing and Distribution of Bumper Stickers, Coupons, Export Brochures, Table Tents, Nutritional Information, Place Mats, Recipe Fliers or Cards

5. INELIGIBLE EXPENSES

1. A. Only expenses directly related to the project will be eligible for funding.
   1. B. No funds shall be used for applicant's administrative costs, salaries, overhead, telephone, postage, etc. Capital expenditures are not eligible costs. Costs for individual business advertisements are not eligible.

6. SOURCE OF PRODUCT

1. The Product being promoted must be only Maine grown fresh or processed agricultural food, fiber or horticultural products, identified as such. Any other food, fiber or horticultural products used in close relation to the products being promoted, i.e. main ingredients in recipes, illustrated in photos, posters, etc. must also be of Maine origin.

7. SOURCE OF FUNDS

1. No in-kind services shall be used to match state funds. All matching funds shall be received or documented by the applicant prior to application. Anticipated funds will not qualify unless there is a firm letter of commitment attached to the application. No state or federal funds shall be used to match grants under this program.

8. ACCOUNTING

1. Applicant shall maintain an accurate record of expenditures incurred and shall, upon completion of the entire project, submit:
   1. A. A financial statement summarizing expenditures and corresponding in format to the approved budget. An interim financial statement must be submitted with any budget adjustment requests.
   2. B. All paid invoices or copies of invoices with canceled checks attached.
   3. C. Copies of all material produced, where feasible.
   4. D. A report on the promotion project and its results in terms of stated objectives.

9. USE OF MAINE AGRICULTURAL SYMBOL

1. The "Maine Produces" symbol shall be incorporated in all print copy and advertising material. Radio and television copy shall include the phrase, "Maine Produces". Brochures and fliers must contain the statement, "paid for in part by funds provided by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry." All copy and designs must be approved by the Department.

10. CRITERIA

1. Applications will be reviewed and evaluated against the following criteria:
   1. A. Need for project is adequately described and documented and does not duplicate existing programs.
   2. B. Goals are clearly stated and addressed by the work plan and the budget is clearly delineated.
   3. C. Applicant and vendors have adequate qualifications and resources to carry out the program.
   4. D. Prospects exist for continuation of promotional activities after the assistance period has ended.
   5. E. Project design is practical, innovative and compatible with existing and projected programs designed to increase demand and markets for Maine agricultural products.
   6. F. The Commissioner reserves the right to reject any or all applications or to approve any application in part or, with the agreement of the applicant, to modify any project proposal so as to make it approvable. Decisions of the Commissioner shall be final.

11. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Applicants must submit the following information to be considered for matching grants under the provisions of 7 MRSA §401-C:
   1. A. Applicant. Address
   2. B. Contact Person

      Address

      Home Phone

      Business Phone

   3. C. Activity Title: Select a title that indicates the nature of the activity.
   4. D. Starting Date of Project
   5. E. Completion Date of Project
   6. F. Amount of Qualifying Funds to be raised for Project
   7. G. Amount of Matching Funds Requested
   8. H. Total Project Cost
   9. I. Project Objective

      Objectives should be stated in such a way that results can be evaluated, i.e. increased sales, increased per capita consumption, increased share of market segment. Each activity objective should have a performance indicator. Applicant should state how performance evidence will be obtained and presented.

   10. J. Proposed Project

       Describe in detail activities to be undertaken and target group. Include a brief background report on or market analysis of the industry/commodity, i.e. annual production, per capita consumption, current markets, volume and dollar sales for previous year. Include a resume on the qualifications and experience of personnel and/or vendor to be hired to carry out the project, if applicable.

   11. K. Proposed Budget - Workplan

       List activities contemplated and a breakdown of costs for specific components.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

July 8, 1984

EFFECTIVE DATE (ELECTRONIC CONVERSION):

May 4, 1996

CONVERTED TO MS WORD:

May 13, 2008

CORRECTIONS:

February, 2014 – agency names, formatting

CONVERTED DOCUMENT TO AN UPDATED VERSION OF WORD:

April 22, 2026

APAO ACCESSIBILITY CHECK (Word):

April 22, 2026