Farmers’ market customers are now able to use debit cards for purchases at the Canton, Potsdam, Gouverneur, and Massena Farmers’ Markets, as well as at Martin's Farmstand in Potsdam.

The wireless terminals previously used for EBT transactions will now be able to accept debit cards as well.

“With debit cards acting as a more secure and convenient alternative to cash, people are increasingly carrying less and less cash on them on a daily basis, which can be a barrier to them stopping by the farmers' market,” says Danielle McAuliffe, program manager for GardenShare.

Customers can swipe a debit card at the manager’s tent in $5 increments in exchange for farmers' market tokens, which can be used to purchase anything at the market.

Tokens can also be purchased at gardenshare.org.