Section 21.50.9. Vendor certification.

         50.9(1) Vendor certification shall not be in effect and vouchers shall not be accepted until the applicant receives a certified vendor identification sign, a certified vendor stamp and either e-mail confirmation of certification or the applicant copy of the department-vendor agreement.

         50.9(2) Vendor certification expires at the end of each year of issuance. Individuals must annually apply for and receive vendor certification in order to participate in FMNP/SFMNP.

         50.9(3) The department does not limit the number of vendors who may become certified under FMNP/SFMNP. The department issues a single certified vendor number for each separate and distinct agricultural operation. A vendor certified to accept program vouchers may accept vouchers at any authorized market in the state upon approval by the department to participate in that particular market and acceptance by the particular market. A vendor who satisfies all the following criteria shall be certified to accept vouchers.

            a.               Indicates an intent to participate in one or more authorized farmers’ markets/farmstands for a majority of weeks of the market season. A vendor who does not participate in the FMNP/SFMNP for the majority of weeks of the season may be certified to accept vouchers only at farmers’ markets that have been previously authorized. A certified vendor who does not participate in the FMNP/SFMNP for the majority of weeks of the season will not be considered in the standard of three eligible certified vendor applications required for a farmers’ market to receive authorization.

            b.               Participates in training on FMNP/SFMNP rules and procedures through attendance in an entire session of one of the six scheduled training meetings conducted by department staff.

            c.               Meets the eligibility requirements based on the information submitted in a completed application to the department prior to the deadline.

            d.               Is 18 years of age or older and submits a completed and signed certified vendor agreement to the department.

            e.               Resides and grows eligible foods within Iowa or in a neighboring state in a county adjacent to Iowa’s border.

[ARC 2573C, IAB 6/8/16, effective 7/13/16]