MDA to Host Sign-up Day on April 3rd for MarketLink – a New USDA Initiative to Bring State-of-the-Art Wireless Technology and New Customers to Direct-Marketing Farmers and Farmers Markets

ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will hold a sign up day on April 3 for farmers and markets to enroll in MarketLinkTM – a new USDA initiative to help direct market farmers and farmers markets sell fruits, vegetables and other eligible products to SNAP clients. A representative from the Maryland Farmers Market Association will be available from 9am until 4pm at MDA Headquarters, 50 Harry S Truman Parkway in Annapolis, to assist with signups.

MarketLinkTM allows farmers to become SNAP-authorized, accept electronic payments at farmers markets, expand their customer base, increase their sales, and get free equipment if they qualify for this new program.

“This is a major step to expand where SNAP clients can shop. It also creates a simplified online signup process for farmers and markets through our partner, the National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP),” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance.

The NAFMNP will have a portal through which farmers and markets can signup. When approved by USDA, these farmers or markets will receive a new, free smartphone with credit card reader, free wireless data services for two years, a free merchant account for processing SNAP, Debit, and Credit cards, and a new nationally negotiated rate for processing debit and credit cards that is one of the lowest ever offered.”

In order to complete the process, farmers and markets should bring the following with them to the sign-up day:

• Business information
• Copy of Social Security Card
• Copy of photo ID
• Cancelled check (or copy of cancelled check)

To RSVP for the sign-up day and select a time-slot for assistance, please email info@marylandfma.org. All walk-ins will be assisted first-come, first-serve.

Further details about MarketLinkTM are available from the NAFMNP by email (info@marketlink.org) or by calling (443) 212-8084 and more information on the Maryland Farmers Market Association can be found at www.marylandfma.org.

The National Association of Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (NAFMNP), is the national non-profit organization representing agencies and organizations delivering the WIC and Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Programs implementing MarketLinkTM. The Maryland Farmers Market Association (MDFMA), a non-profit dedicated to expanding food access for all Marylanders, is partnering with NAFMNP to bring this solution to Maryland.

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