Eligible Applicants - In accordance with authorizing legislation, FSMIP funds can be allotted to "...State departments of agriculture, State bureaus and departments of markets, State agricultural experiment stations, and other appropriate State agencies..." (7 U.S.C. 1623). State agencies specifically named under the authorizing legislation should assume the lead role in FSMIP projects, and use cooperative or contractual linkages with other agencies, universities, institutions, and producer, industry or community-based organizations, as appropriate. Applicants other than State departments of agriculture and State agricultural experiment stations may wish to include with their applications an explanation of how they meet the definition of “other appropriate State agency.” Multi-state projects are encouraged, as long as one State agency assumes the coordinating role, using appropriate cooperative arrangements with the other States involved.

Matching Funds - Requests for FSMIP funds must be matched, at minimum, on a one-to-one basis, from non-Federal sources. The match may consist of cash and/or properly valued, in-kind resources. State appropriations, as well as funds or other resources contributed by farm organizations, trade associations, or other project participants, can be used to satisfy the matching fund requirement. However, it is essential that the State agency maintains control of the project's objectives, sets policy, and ensures that FSMIP funds are matched appropriately with non-Federal funds.

Project Length - Usually, FSMIP funds are awarded for a period of one year, although proposals of up to two years' duration will be considered. A proposal that builds on a previous FSMIP project may also be submitted. In such cases, the narrative should indicate clearly how the new proposal compliments previous work. It is generally FSMIP's policy not to fund successive projects beyond a period of three years.