The U.S. Department of Agriculture has $10 million available for farmers markets and community-support agriculture programs.

Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon urged local food producers in Illinois to apply for the grant money to help develop farmers markets and other locally grown food businesses in the state.

The Farmers Market Promotion Program last year awarded four grants in Illinois. That included $81,000 that Southern Illinois University is using to establish the Illinois Farmers Market Association. That group will provide professional development for farmers and markets.

Simon's office says applicants will get priority if their plans would increase healthy food choices in low-income areas.

More information can be found at the federal government grants website, grants.gov.