2014 Training Dates Announced for Farmers to Participate in FMNP & FVC Program

ANNAPOLIS, MD – To help farmers understand federal nutrition programs and what federal assistance checks can be accepted at farmers’ markets, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) along with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) is offering training for both the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP – WIC and Seniors) and the Fruit and Vegetable Check (FVC) Program. This training is mandatory for farmers who want to accept checks from participants at authorized farmers’ markets. Those who took this training in 2013 are certified for three years and do not have to attend; however, farmers who are new to the FMNP/FVC program, or took training prior to 2013, are required to attend. Once completed the training it is good for three years.

There is no fee for the training but registration is required. Farmers planning to attend a training session – except those in Garrett & Allegany county — must register online

Farmers in Garrett & Allegany counties must register by contacting Cheryl DeBerry at 301-334-6968 or cdeberry@garrettcounty.org

Training Dates are:

• Feb. 14: Charlotte Hall Library, 37600 New Market Road, Charlotte Hall. 9:30 a.m. to noon. (St. Mary’s County)
• Feb. 20: USDA Denton Office, 9194 Legion Road, Denton. 9 a.m. to noon. (Caroline County)
• Feb. 24: Frederick Business Employment Center, 5340A Spectrum Drive, Frederick. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Frederick County)
• Feb. 25: Washington County Agricultural Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro. 9 a.m. to noon. (Washington County)
• March 6: 31901 Tri County Way, Room #025, Salisbury. 10 a.m. to noon. (Wicomico County)
• March 10: Soil Conservation Office, 5301 Marlboro Race Track Road, Suite 100, Upper Marlboro. 9 a.m. to noon. (Prince Georges County). This session will also include the training for the DC programs.
• March 19: Department of Economic Development, Agricultural Services Division, 18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood. 9 a.m. to noon. (Montgomery County)
• April 1: Allegany County Fairgrounds, 7:30 p.m. (Allegany)
• April 3: Webinar, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Further information will be sent via email to those who sign up for this option.
• April 7: Baltimore County Agricultural Center, 1114 Shawan Road, Cockeysville. 9 a.m. to noon. (Baltimore County). This session will also include the training for the DC programs.
• April 8: University of Maryland Extension – Garrett County Office, 1916 Maryland Hwy, Suite A, Mt Lake Park. 6:30 pm. (Garrett County)

The Annual Farmers Market Conference will be held on March 13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at MDA in Annapolis. (FMNP and FVC training for Anne Arundel County markets will be offered during the conference. There will be a $30 cost per person for the conference, which includes lunch. Register here. 

Any session outside Garret and Allegany Counties that have fewer than five people signed up will be cancelled 48 hours prior to the session.

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