; (G) to facilitate regional food chain coordination and mid-tier value chain development; (H) to promote new business opportunities and marketing strategies to reduce on-farm food waste; or (I) to respond to changing technology needs in direct producer-to-consumer marketing. (3) Criteria and guidelines The Secretary shall establish such criteria and guidelines for the submission, evaluation, and funding of proposed projects under the Program as the Secretary determines are appropriate. (4) Priorities The Secretary may give priority to applications submitted under paragraph (3) that— (A) are applied for by, or serve— (i) beginning farmers or ranchers; (ii) socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers; (iii) operators of small or medium sized farms or ranches that are structured as family farms; or (iv) veteran farmers or ranchers; (B) benefit underserved communities, including communities that are located in areas of concentrated poverty with limited access to fresh locally or regionally grown food; or (C) (i) are applied for by an eligible entity participating in a partnership agreement; and (ii) carry out eligible activities under the partnership agreement. (5) Term The term of a grant under this subsection shall be not longer than 3 years, as determined by the Secretary. (6) Amount The amount of a grant under the Program shall be not more than $500,000, as determined by the Secretary. (7) Limitation on use of funds An eligible entity may not use a grant under this subsection for the purchase or construction of a building or structure. (e) Simplification of application and reporting processes (1) Applications The Secretary shall— (A) simplify the application process for a grant under subsection (d); and (B) establish a simplified application form for eligible entities that request less than $50,000 under that subsection. (2) Reporting The Secretary shall— (A) streamline and simplify the reporting process for eligible entities