| Oregon Farm Direct Programs |
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| Overview |
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Oregon currently offers two state-administered federal nutrition programs providing sales opportunities for farmers selling directly to consumers. The Farm Direct Nutrition Program (FDNP) distributes approximately $1 million dollars to seniors (identified by Seniors & People with Disabilities Division as of April 1, 2010), and families enrolled in the WIC (Women Infants & Children) program. Eligible participants will receive these funds as $4 checks (WIC families receive $20, and each senior client will receive $32), specifically to purchase locally produced fresh fruit and vegetables directly from authorized farmers at farm stands and farmers markets from June 1 to October 31.
Review the Farm Direct Nutrition Program fact sheet to learn more.
In addition, WIC also provides a separate Fruit & Veggie voucher that allows WIC participants to purchase fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables at authorized retailers or from authorized farmers at a farm stand or farmers' markets. Approximately $8 million dollars worth of $6 or $10 vouchers will be issued to WIC participants in 2010. The vouchers are distributed year-round and each voucher is valid for one month.
Review the WIC Fruit & Veggie voucher fact sheet to learn more.
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| Program information for farmers |
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How do I become an authorized farmer?
To become an authorized farmer and accept Farm Direct (FDNP) checks and/or WIC Fruit & Veggie vouchers, you must own, lease, rent or sharecrop land to grow, cultivate or harvest crops on that land AND grow fresh fruit, vegetables or in Oregon or a bordering county to sell at your farm stand or at a farmers market.
All farmers must fill out and sign an application with the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the Department of Human Services (DHS). All farmers who are new to either the Farm Direct (FDNP) checks or the WIC Fruit & Veggie voucher programs must have a face-to-face training as part of the enrollment process.
Compare Farm Direct (FDNP) checks with WIC Fruit & Veggie vouchers
All previous year participants must complete the application process to participate. The 2010 application packets will be mailed to 2009 participants during the week of March 1, 2010. If you are new to the Farm Direct programs or you do not receive your application packet, please E-mail your name, farm name, mailing address and telephone number or call the ODA at 503-872-6600 to request an application packet.
Program Deadlines
All completed and eligible applications for the 2010 Farm Direct Nutrition Program (FDNP) must be postmarked on or before September 30, 2010. WIC Fruit & Veggie Program applications may be submitted year-round.
For an application packet, please contact the ODA at 503-872-6600.
Farmers Guide
This guide provides information about the Farm Direct programs to authorized farmers.
Farm Direct Nutrition Program and WIC Fruit & Veggie Program Farmer Guide (2.8 MB pdf)
Farmer friendly banks and credit unions
With the assistance of the Oregon Banker's Association and the Credit Union Association of Oregon, we do outreach to banks and credit unions to encourage them to waive normal processing fees for their Farm Direct authorized farmer customers who bring in Farm Direct Nutrition Program checks or WIC Fruit & Veggie vouchers. Farmers are encouraged to communicate with their financial institutions and provide them with a Banks and Credit Unions Frequently Asked Questions information sheet.
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| List of participating farm stands and farmers markets |
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Search the Farm Direct Nutrition Program WIC Shopper Guide for farm stands and farmers markets with authorized vendors who can accept your Farm Direct checks and/or WIC Fruit & Veggie vouchers.
Download the Farm Direct Nutrition Program WIC Shopper Guide (pdf) to print a statewide list of farm stands and farmers markets with authorized vendors. This list is updated daily.
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| Contact information for WIC and senior participants |
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Women, Infants and Children
If you have questions regarding WIC participation, please call your local WIC clinic or
1-800-SAFENET (1-800-723-3638).
Seniors & People with Disabilities
If you have questions regarding senior eligibility, please contact your local Senior Services or Area Agency on Aging office or call 1-800-SAFENET (1-800-723-3638).
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