This is to inform you of changes that will be made to the FMNP interim regulations. Because some aspects of this year's FMNP season have already begun, and the process of issuing regulations is long and complex, we wanted to offer state agencies the opportunity to implement the following provisions prior to publication of the final FMNP regulation.

We have concluded that neither the authorization of farmers or farmers' markets nor the exchange of a FMNP coupon between a certified FMNP recipient and an approved farmer or farmers' markets in the FMNP represents "covered transactions." Therefore, farmers or farmers' markets in the FMNP are not subject to the certification requirements.

The National Association of Farmers' Market Nutrition Program directors held their first annual meeting in Baltimore, MD, on Oct. 7-9, 1993. At that meeting, a number of questions were raised during our program requirement session. Attached are these questions and our responses for your information.

This policy is intended to clarify the issue of Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) administrative funds for training and meetings and conferences as allowable administrative costs, as well as the circumstances under which WIC or FMNP administrative funds may be used.