Information for Growers (FMNP)

The 2025 Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) season kicks off on June 15th! 

If you're interested in becoming an authorized FMNP grower, start the process today by following the steps for "How do I become FMNP grower" below. If you were authorized in 2024 and would like to reauthorize for the 2025 season, follow the steps for "How do I renew my FMNP grower authorization?" below.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with your community and provide fresh, locally grown produce!

Information for Growers

• Do you grow fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs and sell them at farmers' markets?
• Are you looking for a way to increase sales and reach new customers?

Farmers provide fresh, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are at the core of both the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) (together known as FMNP). At the same time, FMNP participants learn about farmers' markets and how to buy fresh products from local farmers.

If you grow fresh fruits and vegetables, sell them at farmers' markets, and want to increase sales and reach new customers, read more about becoming an Authorized Grower for the FMNP below. Due to limited funding, we can only offer these programs in a limited number of areas – ask your market manager if your market participates in these programs.

Am I eligible to become an FMNP authorized grower?

Growers are eligible to become FMNP authorized if:

• You grow the items that you sell.
• You sell fresh, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, or cut herbs.
• You sell your items at an Authorized Farmers' Market.
• You are a resident of Minnesota or a neighboring state.

How do I become a FMNP grower?

To become an authorized grower follow the steps below:

1. Review the 13 minute Grower Training Video (if you didn't take the training last year).
2. Complete the Grower Authorization Post-Training Quiz.
3. Within two business days after passing the quiz, check your email for the FMNP Grower Agreement and submit the completed form.
4. Once you have submitted your FMNP Grower Agreement form, watch for an email from MN FMNP fmVendor (notification@fmvendor.com) when it's time to set up your grower portal.
5. Follow the provided instructions to set up your online portal and link your bank account. For assistance, contact RP Solutions at support@fmvendor.com or call 607-252-4866.

NOTE: You are NOT an Authorized Grower until you receive your Grower Authorization Letter from us. We'll send out authorization materials between May 1 and June 15. If you haven't received your Grower Authorization Letter by June 15, contact us.

REMEMBER: You must be reauthorized EVERY year to continue to accept FMNP coupons.

Resources for new FMNP growers:

• New FMNP Grower Packet (PDF)

• Instructions for Activating your Online Account (PDF)

• Instructions for Using your App at the Market (PDF)

How do I renew my FMNP grower authorization?

To renew your FMNP grower authorization follow the steps below:

1. Complete the FMNP Grower Agreement sent in this month's Grower Newsletter.
2. Watch for an email from MN FMNP fmVendor (notification@fmvendor.com) when it's time to access your grower portal.
3. No need to create a new account! Simply log in at fmvendor.com using your existing credentials.
4. If your banking information hasn’t changed, you’re all set—no further action is needed!
5. If you need to update your banking details or have trouble logging in, contact RP Solutions at support@fmvendor.com for assistance.

Resources for returning FMNP growers:

• Returning Grower Online Account Instructions (PDF)

• Instructions for Using your App at the Market (PDF)

Hybrid Solution Overview- Redemption Options

1. Growers can download the mobile app to scan and redeem coupons right at the farmers' market or post-market for simple electronic coupon acceptance and processing. 
2. If growers elect to skip electronic processing this year, coupons can be collected at farmers' markets and then mailed to the processing center for redemption. Please reach out to the MDA and we can mail you the required forms.
3. Farmers will NOT have an option to deposit coupons at the bank - you must use one of the redemption options mentioned above.

Get to know the FMNP team at the MDA

Emily Mehr has been with the MDA and coordinating the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program since 2020. Supporting local agriculture has been a passion of Emily’s for 15+ years. Prior to joining the MDA, she was involved in a variety of ag-centered roles relating to farm to school, school gardens, CSA farms, and MN farmers’ markets. In addition to FMNP, she manages the agency’s Farm to School, Urban Agriculture, and Good Food Access Program grants.

Christina Iliev has been in state service since 2011 years and at the MDA since 2016. She works as the Commodity Council Coordinator and Assistant Program Coordinator for the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. In this capacity, she is responsible for the administrative oversight of all 13 commodity councils in the state as well as leading specific elements of the FMNP pertaining to participating farmers and markets.