ISU Extension in Keokuk County to host Iowa Farmers Market Nutrition Program Training

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Keokuk County is proud to announce a partnership with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) to host an Iowa Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) vendor training on April 30, 2025 at 9 a.m. This training is for fruit and vegetable growers, as well as honey producers, who sell their products at farmers markets, and is the initial step toward FMNP certification, a requirement for farmers who wish to accept FMNP vouchers.

The Iowa FMNP, administered by IDALS with support from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, is vital in supporting local farmers and providing access to fresh, locally grown produce for eligible seniors and WIC families. In 2024, over 14,000 seniors and 30,000 mothers and children in Iowa received FMNP vouchers, contributing to the certification of more than 600 farmers at 125 farmers markets and 100 farmstands. Certified farmers saw an average increase of $1,800 in sales through FMNP participation.

The training will take place at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office in Keokuk County, located at 400 220th Ave Suite A, on April 30, 2025, at 9 a.m. Attendance is free, but preregistration is mandatory. For registration and further details, please contact Emily Belvel at ebelvel@iastate.edu or 641-622-2680.

For inquiries regarding FMNP vendor certification, please contact IDALS at 515-725-1179 or FarmersMarket@IowaAgriculture.gov.