Following are some handy references and resources pertaining to selling at farmers markets.
We highly recommend checking out this information BEFORE launching into selling your homegrown fruit (or anything) at a local farmers market. Remember, it’s all free information…
1. Understanding Farmers Market Rules
Go to the Farmers’ Legal Action Group, Inc. at http://www.flaginc.org/topics/pubs/arts/, for the 8-page printable, and downloadable document, Understanding Farmers Market Rules.
2. Agricultural Marketing Service – Farmers Market Search
You can search the United States Department of Agriculture’s database for a farmers market location and data – just go to http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets/. Here’s how they describe their Farmers Market Search capabilities:
“AMS works to maintain a current listing of farmers markets throughout the United States. Market information is provided to AMS from various sources including state market representatives, market managers, and consumers. The farmers market database is updated on a regular basis.”
3. A Guide for Farmers, Sanitarians and the Consumer
Visit http://www.mda.state.mn.us/news/publications/food/business&marketing/ for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture site’s 4-page printable, downloadable document, 
Operational Guidelines for Vendors At the Farmers’ Market.
TIP: To find farmers market guidelines for your local area, enter “farmers market vendor guidelines portland oregon” in a search engine… just substitute your city and state. You can also do a statewide search by omitting the city.
The image to the left is what the Minnesota site looks like. Of course, the websites for other states will be unique to them.
4. Farmers Market Publications from Departments of Agriculture
Check out the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources website page at
http://www.mass.gov/agr/markets/farmersmarkets/Options_consider_selling.htm for information and more resources.
TIP: Do a Google search for “State Department of Agruculture”, substituting your state.
The Massachusetts site referenced above is pictured to the right. Again, the websites for other states will be unique to them.
Sometimes, the easiest place to start researching for farmers market references and resources is with your local Chamber of Commerce or City Hall. If you’re community is forward thinking and has a farmers market, just ask some vendors to direct you to the local organizer or director. It could save you a lot of time and effort… just be sure to ask about the paperwork involved, and applicable laws and taxes. Don’t be surprised when these folks take the time to talk with you and explain how it all works.
Farmers markets attract neighborly folks… so, act neighborly and you’ll fit right in.
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