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The Michigan Farmers Markets Association (MIFMA) is hosting the Michigan
Farmers Market Conference on March 8 and 9, 2016 on the campus of Michigan
State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Register now at
www.mifma.org/conference

The 2016 conference will feature a unique opportunity for farmers market
managers and direct marketing farmers to learn more about accepting
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, distributed via
the Michigan EBT Bridge Card, and take the first step toward being able to
accept these benefits in exchange for fresh, locally grown products.

*Where & When: *
In partnership with the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food
and Nutrition Service (FNS), MIFMA is offering *SNAP training and on-site
sign-up at the conference on Wednesday, March 9 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. EST.*

*Register:*
Those interested in attending the entire conference and SNAP Training can
do so by clicking here <https://mifma.z2systems.com/eventReg.jsp?event=52&>

Those who are interested in only attending the SNAP Training should call
the MIFMA office to register at 517-432-3381

“Michigan’s farmers are instrumental in providing fresh fruits and
vegetables and other healthy foods throughout the State”, said Tim English,
Regional Administrator for USDA Food and Nutrition Service. “We are
striving to expand access to healthy food to those participating in SNAP.
We encourage direct marketing farmers and farmers markets who are not
currently participating in the SNAP Program to attend this special sign-up
event. The ability to accept SNAP benefits helps farmers expand their
customer base and economically support their local community.”

During the conference session, attendees will receive step-by-step
instructions for completing the USDA FNS online application to accept SNAP
benefits and USDA FNS staff will be on-site to review applications and
approve them. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about a
grant program facilitated by the national Farmers Market Coalition which
can equip SNAP authorized farmers markets and direct marketing farmers with
free, wireless point-of-sale devices.

“MIFMA has helped grow the number of farmers markets in Michigan accepting
SNAP from just three in 2006, to over 150 in 2015. We are proud to be
hosting this sign-up opportunity in addition to the other training and
technical assistance programs we offer farmers market managers across the
state,” explains MIFMA Director, Dru Montri.

In addition, the Michigan Farmers Market Conference will also feature three
educational tracks with 15 different break-out sessions, roundtable
discussions, exhibitors, a panel of keynote speakers, MIFMA’s annual
meeting, a silent auction fundraiser and ample networking opportunities.
Conference registration closes Friday, February 26, 2016.

To register for the conference or for more information on other programs
and MIFMA membership opportunities, visit www.mifma.org or call
517-432-3381.

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