Frequently Asked Questions on How to Start a Farmers Market

 

Q: How do we get started?

A: We suggest that you visit as many farmers' market as possible.

 

Q: How can Urban Harvest help us start a farmers market? Can we set up a meeting?

A: We offer a How to Start a Farmer's Market consult service. For information on fees and scheduling, contact Mark Bowen.

 

Q: Are there any resources that we may find helpful in starting a farmer's market?

A: We at Urban Harvest have found that the following resources have been absolutely invaluable. Many of these organizations have workshops that discuss the challenges with Farmer's markets, and have simple and helpful solutions to better the business.

Q: Are there any other farmers markets that you found helpful?

A: We have regularly referred to the market rules and general operations at the Austin Farmers Market and the Portland Farmers Market. We also work closely with the markets located in Houston.


Q: How do we contact local farmers?

A: We suggest that you come to the other markets and start with the vendors that sell there.


Q: How did you determine location, time, months?

A: Our market is open every Saturday from 8am-12pm, all year round. We suggest researching when other markets are open, and what the foot traffic looks like in your location where you want to start the farmers market.

 

Q: Did you start out in one particular season or were you able to provide produce the entire year?

A: In South East Texas, produce can be grown all year. Our market began in September of 2004, and the only day that we closed was when Ike paid Houston a visit.


Q: How do you work with other farmer's markets in the area?

A: We speak regularly with other farmers market managers, and many of our vendors sell at their markets.


Q: What are the health department regulations that apply to a farmers market?

A: Since a farmers market is a food establishment, the market fall under a regulatory body, and in Houston it is the Department of Health and Human Services. In September 2004, Houston reserved a division in the Houston Food Ordinance for Certified Farmers Markets under Article V: Farm Produce Section and Article VI: Vending Machines. Many questions can be answered by reading the ordinance. To find the Houston Food Ordinance document, please follow these steps:


Q: Are there any license or permits that I need to start a farmers market?

A: Yes. Your market needs to be registered at the Department of Health and Human Services as a Certified Farmers Market. In addition, a Food Service Manager must be at the market at all times.


Q: Where can I get the Food Service Manager's Certificate?

A: Classes are held at the City of Houston’s Department of Health and Human Services and information can be found at their website. link: http://www.houstontx.gov/health/Food/index.html Online courses are also available, but a certificate of completion of that course must be brought to the city for the Food Service Manager’s Certificate.


Q: What are the specific requirements that a Certified Farmers Market has to have?

A: Each farmer’s market needs to fulfill a set of requirements before getting approval from the city to sell produce. Below is a list of some of the most important requirements.

  • Certification from the City of Houston to be a Farmers Market
  • Washable floors where the produce is being sold
  • Bathroom Facility
  • Hand Washing Facility
  • Applications for every vendor on file
  • Refrigeration for potentially hazardous foods
  • Proper Waste Removal
  • No live animals may be kept within 20 feet of any food product
  • A food service manager must be at the market at all times
  • A farmers market may not be open for more than 4 hours


Q: What kind of insurance do you have?

A: We have a general liability insurance policy.


Q: Did you visit all farms you have represented?

A: Yes.

 

Q: What is your selection and application process?

A: Each application is reviewed by a 9 member Market Committee. Additional information about the selection process can be found in our Bayou City Farmers Market Rules which can be found on our website.


Q: Do your farmers have a display their growing practices?

A: Yes. We have a glossary of terms posted on our website. All of our growers must post what their growing practices are. We encourage all of our customers to talk to the farmers about how they produce their vegetables. Additional information about growing practices and the glossary of terms can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Vendors.


Q: Do vendors provide their own table, tents, chairs, etc. electricity?

A: In our lease agreement, we were able to install our own electrical post which provides electricity to the vendors. Vendors are required to pitch a 10x10 tent with a minimum of 25 pound weights per leg. They are also required to have a business sign at their booth, and a table is highly suggested, but not required. Additional information about requirements for a vendor booth can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Vendors.


Q: Do the farmers have to be licensed? If not what do they provide?

A: Produce growers do not need to be licensed. If a farmer claims they practice organic growing practices, they must be certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Additional information about licensing can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions for Prospective Vendors.