Rep. Barry Moore introduces Farmers' Market Expansion Act

Washington, D.C. — Today, Rep. Barry Moore introduced the Farmers' Market Expansion Act. This legislation would add tree nuts, including shelled tree nuts explicitly, to USDA’s Seniors’ Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). 

The SFMNP provides fresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey to eligible low-income seniors. According to the USDA, in fiscal year 2022, the SFMNP had 757,751 seniors participate, and 15,089 farmers sold products through the program. Annual program benefits vary per state between $20 and $50 per year, with over 54,000 eligible seniors in Alabama. 

"Adding tree nuts, especially shelled pecans, to the Seniors' Farmers' Market Nutrition Program benefits Alabama producers and seniors," said Moore. "Pecans are an important part of Alabama's agriculture, and we are hopeful this legislation creates competitive markets for our tree nut producers."

"I'm proud to introduce the bipartisan Farmers' Market Expansion Act and support our local farmers in New Mexico's 2nd district. This crucial bill ensures that low-income seniors in our community can access shelled tree nuts, including our iconic pistachios from Alamogordo," said Vasquez. "By championing this bill, I'm standing by our pistachio farmers, all while making sure our seniors have better access to wholesome food options.”

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