Farmer Training for Farmers Market Nutrition Program and Fruit & Vegetable Check Program

ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 18, 2011) – To help farmers understand the recent changes and addition of new federal nutrition programs that can be accepted at farmers’ markets, the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is partnering with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) to offer 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.

Training participants will learn about the different federal nutrition benefit programs, be provided with the policies and procedures for both the FMNP and the FVC program, and upon completion of the training will receive new signs to display at their market stands.

Training Dates, Times and Locations:

• Thursday, March 24, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, MD  21863 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm
• Tuesday, March 29, Charlotte Hall Library, 37600 New Market Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, April 11, Washington County Agricultural Education Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro MD  21713-2431 from 10:00 a.m. until noon
• Monday, April 11, Garrett County Extension Office, 1916 Maryland Highway, Suite A, Mt. Lake Park, MD 21550 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
• Additional training dates will be announced as they are scheduled.

Please contact Amy Crone if you plan to attend or if there are any questions at 410-841-5776 or croneag@mda.state.md.us.

Click here to learn more about Maryland’s Farmers’ Market Programs.