Marketing Agreements and Orders
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
developed leadership and communication skills.
Program Objective
Marketing Agreements and Orders are designed to stabilize market conditions and improve returns to producers through the establishment of minimum prices, regulating the quality and quantity of commodities sold through commercial channels, and providing market promotion.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Unrestricted by Individual Type
Marketing orders are issued by the Secretary of Agriculture only after a public hearing where milk, fruit and vegetable producers, marketers, and consumers testify, and after farmers vote approval through a referendum. Growers of certain fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops (like nuts, raisins, olives, and hops). Dairy farmers are the primary applicants.
Beneficiaries
- Farmer / Rancher / Agriculture Producer
The beneficiaries are producers of milk, fruit and vegetable products.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Decision to establish or not to establish an agreement and order is made by the Secretary of Agriculture after public hearings and referendums are conducted.
Subject to time required to hold public hearings, investigations and to conduct a referendum. Approximately 1 year after start of public hearings.
Program details & compliance
Description
Marketing agreements and orders are initiated by industry to help provide stable markets for dairy products, fruits, vegetables and specialty crops. Each order and agreement is tailored to the individual industry’s needs. Marketing Orders are a binding regulation for the entire industry in the specified geographical area, once it is approved by the producers and the Secretary of Agriculture. Marketing Agreements are only binding for those handlers that sign the agreement.
Mission Categories
Primary: Marketing Opportunities
Other categories:
General Collection and Communication of Statistical Data
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
The provisions of orders and agreements are designed specifically to meet the marketing and economic problems of the commodity or area covered. For dairy products, the orders establish orderly marketing conditions in the sale of milk by dairy farmers to handlers, whereas fruit, vegetable, nut, and grass seed, are established to regulate the quantity and quality of products sold in commercial channels.
Required Documentation
Evidence (usually hearings) required indicating that agreement or order will assist in the orderly marketing of a commodity.