ALB Announces Matching Grant Program

December 30, 2005 -- In a press release issued by the American Lamb Board (ALB) this week, it was announced that applications for the 2006 matching grant program are now being solicited. The program was developed to expand marketing and promotional activities by creating collaborative partnerships with industry organizations.

According to ALB chairman, Spence Rule, the projects that have been funded in 2005 have expended ALB?s efforts to educate consumers, retailers and chefs at the local level.

A total of $40,000 is budgeted for 2006 grant funding. The grants require a 1-to-1 cash match from the grant recipients. In-kind contributions are not considered for the matching requirement. Industry organizations are invited to submit proposals that expand or strengthen the market for American lamb. Creative marketing projects, which include a collaborative effort amongst industry organizations and industry sectors, are encouraged. Funds received under the grant program must be spent on activities that are permissible under the Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act and the Lamb Promotion, Research and Information Order.

For more information including the grant applications, call Rae Maestas at 866-327-LAMB or log on to www.americanlamb.com. The deadline for submitting grant applications is Feb. 15, 2006.