Information for Farmers
One of the goals of the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is to expand the awareness of,
use of, and sales at farmers' markets. Each year, the WIC FMNP meets this goal
by giving checks to WIC families to spend at farmers' markets. Many WIC
families have never been to a farmers' market before. For that reason, they
provide a new customer base to increase farmers' market and vendor sales.
Participation in FMNP
To participate in the program, the farmer must meet all of the
following requirements.
- The farmer must grow one or more of the products sold. Products grown by
the farmer are referred to as "homegrown" products.
- Homegrown products must meet the definition of FMNP-approved foods.
- Homegrown products are produced in Wisconsin or at a farm within 50 miles
of the Wisconsin border.
- Homegrown products are sold at an FMNP-approved farmers' market or farm
stand.
Approved foods
FMNP-approved foods are fresh, unprocessed fruits, vegetables and fresh cut
herbs for human consumption. The foods must be grown in Wisconsin or at a farm
within 50 miles of the Wisconsin border.
Approved foods grown within 50 miles of the Wisconsin border may be sold to
FMNP customers as follows.
- Illinois foods may be sold in Grant, Green, Kenosha, Lafayette,
Rock and Walworth counties.
- Iowa foods may be sold in Crawford, Grant and Vernon counties.
- Minnesota foods may be sold in Buffalo, Burnett, Douglas, La
Crosse, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, St. Croix, Trempealeau and Vernon counties.
- Michigan foods may be sold in Florence, Forest, Iron, Marinette and
Vilas counties.
Certification
To become certified to participate in FMNP, the farmer must do the following.
- Attend a training session. A face-to-face training is required for new
farmers and for farmers who have violated program rules the previous year.
- Read and sign an agreement ensuring understanding of the rules and
procedures of the program.
Farmers may not accept FMNP checks until all certification
requirements are met.
When all requirements are met, the farmer will receive approval from the
state WIC office, including the following items.
- A letter stating that the farmer is certified.
- A copy of the signed agreement.
- An FMNP sign to post at the market stall.
- An FMNP stamp to validate checks from participants.
- A letter to take to the bank explaining the FMNP checks.
- A list of approved WIC FMNP farmers' markets.
Reapplication process
Certified FMNP farmers will be contacted by the state office each year for
recertification. Training is not required unless a rule violation has occurred.
Contact information
Farmers who have not participated in FMNP should contact their local
WIC agency to obtain materials and to schedule training.
For reapplication information and for other questions, farmers should contact the
state WIC office by e-mail at wicfmnp@dhfs.state.wi.us,
or by phone at (608) 266-9824.
FMNP home page
Last Revised: October 24, 2008
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