(1888PressRelease)
July 03, 2009 - Already up and running, 20 farmers markets throughout Washington are fully equipped to accept credit, debit and Electronic Benefits Transfers to purchase market goods, including fresh, local farm products. South Sound markets were recipients of these point-of-sale machines to make purchasing fresh produce even easier for customers in all income brackets and widen the customer base for the small business owners who make their livings off small sales at these agricultural markets.
This wireless campaign is an effort by the Washington State Farmers Market Association Wireless Technology Pilot Project, which was made possible through an initiative to assist farmers markets in developing the capacity to accept wireless electronic payment cards.
Grantee markets will be provided with wireless point of sale terminals from GoMobile Commerce, training and technical assistance, outreach guidance, and necessary supplies and marketing materials. Prior to launching the program, a representative from each market will participate in an all-day training course hosted by WSFMA and GoMobile Commerce. Market shoppers will use their cards to purchase tokens which will then be used to buy locally produced goods from individual vendors.
Heather Mickelson of GoMobile Commerce, the provider for wireless credit card machines, stated "With this program, Washington State residents, regardless of income, have access to fresh and local produce. It's healthier, tastes better and also supports local farmers and businesses. With 20 markets up and running with our wireless technology, the response has been tremendous. Every market has reported an increase in sales in June 2009 as compared to 2008."
Data collected during this two-year project on the amounts and number of the various electronic payments will be used to measure tangible benefits to participating markets in the future.
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