NOTICE: We are still accepting applications for eggs, avocadoes, rice, and shoulder season crops. For all others, the 2011 application will be posted next February.
Interested in becoming a certified producer? Learn more.
The Foothill Farmers' Market Association operates only Certified Farmers' Markets - marketplaces in which California farmers can sell the products that they have grown themselves. All of FFMA's markets also include an area adjacent to the Certified Farmers' Market where non-agricultural food items - such as baked goods and prepared foods - are sold. In keeping with the spirit of the farmers' market, these items must be sold by those who prepared the products.
Certified Farmers' Markets are governed by California Law, under the California Department of Food and Agriculture. These rules are enforced by County Agriculture Commissioners in the counties in which the market operates. The markets also fall under the jurisdiction of the health departments in each county in which a market operates. To help facilitate market operations, FFMA has adopted Rules and Regulations for its markets that complement the state's requirements and their local enforcement. Applying to sell in any of FFMA's markets requires you to agree to abide by all applicable laws and FFMA's Rules and Regulations.
Important Information for all Vendors in FFMA's Markets
Members who have previously sold in the FFMA markets must have their completed application and application fee of $75.00 turned in by March 30th. After March 30th, the application fee for returning members increases to $100.00. For all new applications the fee for 2010 is $75.00.
The application requires your signature by which you attest to having read FFMA's Rules and Regulations (pdf) and by which you agree to abide by those rules
Members of the FFMA are required to carry a general liability insurance policy with $1,000,000 single incident/$2,000,000 aggregate coverage. In addition, the FFMA requires a Certificate of Insurance naming The Foothill Farmers’ Market Association, its Agents, and Employees as additional insureds.
Certified Farmers' Markets are organized around areas designated by county Agricultural Commissioners for California's Certified Agricultural Producers to sell directly to the public, those products that the farmers have grown them themselves.
All of the fresh fruits, vegetables, greens and nuts found in FFMA's Certified Farmers' Markets are California Grown and brought to the market by the farmers who planted, nurtured and harvested the crop. In addition to fresh produce, Certified Farmers' Markets may include other California agricultural products such as honey, shell eggs, fresh flowers, and nursery plants.
For information about becoming a Certified Agricultural Producer, contact the Agriculture Commissioner in your home county.
Requirements for Non-agricultural Food Producers
FFMA's markets also include prepared food items and ready-to-eat foods. These items provide additional choices for consumers and support local entrepreneurs and help to create a vibrant marketplace.
In certain markets, the FFMA is restricted to the number or type of non-agricultural products that can be sold in that market. All non-agricultural products must be juried by FFMA and samples may be requested before they are admitted to a market.
All non-agricultural producers must have a health permit covering the kitchen at which their products are produced and packaged (products cannot be made in home kitchens) as well as a Temporary Food Facility permit (pdf) from the county in which they wish to sell their products, if applicable.
Requirements for California wineries
California law allows California wineries to sell their wines at Certified Farmers' Markets under limited circumstances. The winery will be required to secure a Farmers' Market Sales Permit (Type 79) and comply with all FFMA regulations and local laws concerning alcohol sales. For more information on obtaining the proper sales permit, the winery should contact the nearest field office of the California Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Requirements for Artisans
Crafts must be orginally constructed, cast, dyed, sewn, thrown, blown, painted, drawn, woven, poured or whatever it is that you do so well. The craft must be done by you. No resale. All crafts are juried by the General Manager.
