Lamp beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers – mandatory

FEDERAL GRANT AWARD SUMMARY

Evergrow Enterprise Corporation, operating as Ellijay Mushrooms, received a $249,784 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Cooperative Services on August 20, 2025, under the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP, CFDA 10.175). The award supports a 24-month project period extending through August 20, 2027, to develop and expand local and regional food systems within Georgia.

Under this FMLFPP award, the awardee will implement activities designed to enhance direct producer-to-consumer marketing channels and local food business enterprises. Eligible project activities under the program include establishing or improving farmers market operations, developing value-added mushroom products, building food distribution infrastructure, implementing marketing strategies, and obtaining necessary food safety certifications and equipment upgrades. The FMLFPP supports agricultural businesses and cooperatives in increasing access to and availability of locally and regionally produced agricultural products through competitive awards structured for 2- to 3-year performance periods.