1. (1) To become authorized to participate in the FMNP, an applicant must:

   1. (a) Apply as a farmers market on a form provided by the department;
   2. (b) Meet the selection criteria in subsection (2) of this section;
   3. (c) Complete training on FMNP requirements; and
   4. (d) Receive a contract or agreement from the department signed by both the department and the applicant.

2. (2) Farmers market selection criteria. The applicant must:

   1. (a) Have a designated market manager on-site during operating hours;
   2. (b) Have been in operation at least one year. The one-year requirement may be waived by the department based on capacity and need;
   3. (c) Be located within 20 miles of the local WIC agency;
   4. (d) Have at least five authorized growers participating in the farmers market each year;
   5. (e) Comply with training sessions and monitor visits; and
   6. (f) Comply with all terms and conditions specified in the contract.
3. (3) The department is not required to authorize all applications. Selection is also based on community need.
4. (4) An authorized farmers market must reapply at the end of the current contract; however, neither the department nor the participant has an obligation to renew a contract.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.120 and 43.70.700. WSR 25-09-026, s 246-780-020, filed 4/7/25, effective 5/8/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.700. WSR 10-21-068, § 246-780-020, filed 10/15/10, effective 11/15/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.120 and 7 C.F.R. 248. WSR 00-07-129, § 246-780-020, filed 3/22/00, effective 4/22/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.120. WSR 96-01-085, § 246-780-020, filed 12/18/95, effective 1/18/96.]