(1) To become authorized to participate in the WIC FMNP, WIC CVB, and SFMNP an applicant must:

(a) Apply as a farm store on a form provided by the department;

(b) Meet the farm store selection criteria in subsection (2) of this section;

(c) Complete training on WIC FMNP, WIC CVB, and SFMNP requirements provided by either an authorized farmers market manager or the FMNP; and

(d) Receive a contract from the department signed by both the department and the applicant.

(2) Farm store selection criteria. The applicant must:

(a) Be located at the site of agricultural production and grow, at that location, a portion of the produce they have for sale;

(b) Have the ability to accept WIC FMNP, WIC CVB, and SFMNP transactions at the point of sale;

(c) Sell locally grown produce; and

(d) Agree to follow the terms and conditions of the contract.

(3) An authorized farm store must reapply at the end of the current contract; however, neither the department nor the participant has an obligation to renew a contract.

(4) The department is not required to authorize all applicants. Priority for authorization will be given to applicants located in areas defined by the department without an authorized farmers market.