The guidance notes that it is "intended to help farmers markets serve communities and provide direct access to healthy, nutritious foods, while also supporting local farmers and food businesses."

In a post sharing the guidance on social media, NOFA-VT thanked Scott and VAAFM "for issuing clear, thoughtful guidance for farmers markets to operate safely, while enabling customer[s] to spend 3SquaresVT/SNAP benefits to buy food from their local farmers."

In order to operate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, farmers markets will need to redesign their layouts and operating procedures to enforce social distancing and limit person-to-person contact. These measures will create an increased need for sanitizing and protective equipment and will require extra staff.

Markets across the state are working to cover those costs without passing the burden on to farmers and vendors. The Burlington Farmers Market, going into its 40th season, has launched a fundraising campaign to offset those costs and ensure that it can operate in accordance with the new guidelines.

Farmers markets provide centralized access to local food; they've also traditionally served as cultural hubs. While things like live music, cooking demonstrations and children's activities are now off-limits, the guidance from VAAFM allows the markets to continue safely connecting farmers and consumers, albeit at a six-foot distance.

Scott also announced further loosening of business restrictions on Friday, allowing outdoor retail facilities such as garden centers and greenhouses to start providing in-person service on April 27.