(a) There is hereby established a central registration of farmers’ markets which shall be maintained by the department. Such central registration of farmers’ markets shall be for the purpose of encouraging and promoting farmers’ markets across the state and shall assist the department in promoting Kansas agriculture by more efficiently connecting producers with consumers. Any farmers’ market operator may register with the secretary on forms provided by the secretary. There shall be no charge for registration. The secretary shall maintain a list of such registered entities for dissemination to members of the public.

(b) The secretary shall be the registration authority for farmers’ markets in the state and may apply for any federal, state, local or private grant programs or other funding opportunities as the secretary may determine will assist in the creation or promotion of farmers’ markets in the state.