By Andrea Pettes
 
November 5, 2009
 
MEDFORD, Ore. - Oregon Trail card users have another option when it comes to buying fresh produce.
 
This is the first full season that the Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market has accepted the card. According to market reports, the cards are the most used form of payment at the markets.
 
The market has seen 1,100 customers this season, and more then 50 percent of all electronic transactions have come from Oregon Trail cards. The market sells wooden nickles to Oregon Trail users, which can be traded for food and other items.
 
Market managers say their program is based after similar ones in larger markets, like Portland.
 
"People are so grateful they can get fresh produce and good food right here at the market," Market Manager Mary Ellen Deluca said.
 
Both the Medford and Ashland Growers and Crafters Markets are still taking place. There are three more markets left in Ashland on Tuesdays at the Ashland Armory. Only two more are left in Medford, Thursdays at the Medford Armory.