AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — As farmers markets begin opening with the arrival of warm weather, a growing number of them are gearing up to accept food vouchers from customers.

Judy Blaisdell, of the Maine Department of Agriculture, told the Kennebec Journal that the department has been hearing from markets interested in getting Electronic Benefit Transfer machines, which accept debit-like cards that have replaced paper food stamps.

The machines allow people in the state’s food stamp program to buy fresh produce and other offerings at the markets.

Officials say a handful of markets are now accepting the cards, including those in Lewiston and Unity, and others have applied.

Some 99,000 Maine families were in the state’s food stamp program in March, up from 86,000 a year earlier.