Grant money brings debit cards to Missouri farmers’ markets

Area farmers’ markets, including the Greater Springfield Farmers’ Market, Flintrock Bison Ranch and Fassnight Creek Farm in the Queen City are among those in the state that now accept debit cards and electronic food-stamp payments.

Specialty Crop Block Grant funds of more than $26,000 through the Agriculture Marketing Service of the Missouri Department of Agriculture provided the necessary wireless technology to 19 eligible farmers’ markets in the state.

“By making purchases easier and more convenient for consumers, more will be able to purchase many of the locally grown produce and fresh foods that our farmer’s offer each week at markets,” said MDA Director Don Steen, in a news release.

Other southwest Missouri farmers’ markets that received the debit-card technology are the Fair Grove Farmers’ Market and the Webb City Farmers’ Market.

“Missouri markets are making it convenient for consumers to purchase local Missouri food and support family farmers through these new wireless machines,” said MDA Marketing Specialist Lane McConnell, in the release.

“This new technology will increase sales and … access to fresh, locally grown products.”

For more retail news, see the Aug. 4 edition of Springfield Business Journal.