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how to sell at a farmer's market

Do you pay someone for permission like renting a spot or do you need a permit? If selling food items do you need any certification or licensing?
My local Whole Foods has been hosting a market for about two months. It's tiny, especially compared to the gigantic storefront, but it is the only one close enough to walk to.
Does anyone have experience with things like that?

steph (caton mew)

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Permalink Reply by Cornelia on August 24, 2009 at 4:39pm

Unfortunately it sounds like one of those things that depends on where you are. Usually, there is a fee for exhibitors at the market and then you take the proceeds from what you sell. There is a USDA site for Florida farmers markets here http://www.florida-agriculture.com/consumers/farmers_markets.htm and then here's the Jacksonville Farmers Market, which looks like an independent business, http://www.jaxfarmersmarket.com/default.asp The Whole Foods market sounds like it is sponsored by the store - have you asked them?
Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by caton mew on August 26, 2009 at 5:29am

Thanks Cornelia! I didn't know about the USDA site. The Jacksonville Farmers Market is wonderful but much too far away. I talked to a couple of guys at Whole Foods and they referred me to another person who runs it. I haven't been able to get in touch with her, though. She's a super busy lady with little time for hypothetical questions. =)

Cornelia said:

Unfortunately it sounds like one of those things that depends on where you are. Usually, there is a fee for exhibitors at the market and then you take the proceeds from what you sell. There is a USDA site for Florida farmers markets here http://www.florida-agriculture.com/consumers/farmers_markets.htm and then here's the Jacksonville Farmers Market, which looks like an independent business, http://www.jaxfarmersmarket.com/default.asp The Whole Foods market sounds like it is sponsored by the store - have you asked them?
Good luck!