Greene County Farmers Market

2010 Greene County Farmer’s Market

Dates: Tuesday June 8th- October 19^th 4-7pm (20 Markets)

Saturday July 10^th – October 16^th 8-11am (15 Markets)

Location:East Side of Courthouse, Jefferson

Market Manger:Alexis Hooper 515-291-7873 abirlex@yahoo.com or abirlex@netins.net 713 S Oak Street Jefferson, IA 50129

Fees:Whole season: $100.This rate is good for the whole season both Tuesday and Saturday a total of 35 markets.Tuesday only fee is $80.The Saturday only fee is $60.A four time punch pass is available for $40.One day at the market is $10.If you don’t start the first market your fee is the same whenever you start.No prorating or special discounts.All fees go directly back into promotions and advertising, etc.No refunds if unable to fulfill the whole year.Market fee must be paid for on or before the first day you attend.Please make checks payable to Greene County Farmers Market.

Space:Limited space is available, so please be kind and patient. The Market Manger will handle set up and will also address concerns and complaints.We do not have assigned spaces at this time, every effort will be made to give vendors “their usual space” if the vendor attends all or most markets.There are a limited amount of electric hook ups available please let the manager know if you will need this and how often.Currently there is no additional charge for electricity.

Requirements for Participation:The producers must be selling produce that they grow (make) themselves.It is important for the producer to be able to discuss with the customer how, where, and under what conditions the product was grown/made/baked.

Types of Products for Sale:Locally grown (by the vendor) fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, plants, nuts, honey, jams, jellies, and eggs.Local baked products that are not potentially hazardous.Local craft products made by the vendor (no party sales/MLM goods will be allowed).Fresh eggs must be kept at a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

Potentially Hazardous Foods/Food Products:The following may not be sold at a farmers market without appropriate licensing from Local, State, or Federal authorities:Potentially hazardous food products, which include meat, poultry, and dairy products. Vendors who wish to sell meat must obtain a mobile food unit or Farmers’ Market License.With the sole exception of Jams and Jellies no home style canned goods maybe sold unless processed in a licensed food processing plant.The following baked goods require a license:meat pies, soft pies, custard filled products and cream filled products.If you have the license you may sell any of the above products at the market but you must be able to produce a copy of the current license upon request. Please direct all questions to the Market Manager or the Iowa department of Inspections, and Appeals (515-281-6538).

Timeliness:We encourage vendors to not set up any earlier than 40 minutes before the starting time.You may not sell until the Bell Tower strikes either 4 o’clock or 8 o’clock.For the safety of those in the market vehicles may not enter any later than 3:45/7:45 and they MAY NOT leave prior to the end of the market with the expectation of those parked at the very end of the market.Please orient your vehicle so that you may make the most direct route to the street.Those who wish to leave early are encouraged to park on the street.

Cancellations: We will hold the market regardless of the weather. The courthouse has offered to let us come inside and set up in the east assembly room.In the event of lighting/hail/or extreme bad weather we may use this option.However all vendors will be expected to help clean up at the end of the market.We do not want to do anything to take away from their good will.Please let me know if you will not be able to attend the market so I can let your customers know.

Display of Products/Signage/Maintenance:Vendors should display all items on well-constructed, well maintained tables/shelves, etc.All edible items must be displayed at least 1 foot off the ground or in containers.We are looking for neat display. Food may not be disposed of in the onsite dumpsters all vendors must remove any loose garbage from their area and dispose of it off site.Vendors must sweep and clean their area as needed and at the end of each market. Vendors must provide their own equipment, tables, etc.All food should be labeled with the common name of the food and the name address, and phone number of the person who prepared the food.Food that is prepared in a licensed food establishment or food processing plant must be labeled accordingly.

Conduct:There is No smoking on the courthouse grounds.Vendors will be asked to leave the market if they are smoking on the grounds.Inappropriate conduct or language towards other participants, customers, or management will not be tolerated and can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the market.Please be courteous of others.If there are problems please see the market manager to help resolve the conflict.Look out for each other if you suspect someone is stealing from you or another vendor please see the market manager ASAP so that we can take the proper steps and call law enforcement if needed.

Pricing:There are some vendors who make a living doing this type of selling and others who do it for fun, fundraiser, or hobby… any way it is done, there needs to be a range of pricing that meets all needs.Underselling the vendor that is also selling the product you are only causes bad feelings.For suggestions on pricing contact your local extension office for current fruit and vegetable prices.Although it is not required customers appreciate seeing prices listed and how the item is priced, by pound, by size, unit, dozen etc.

Insurance:For your own safety every vendor must carry their own liability insurance.The market itself does not carry insurance and the city will not cover you personally if for example your squash falls on someone’s toes, or your food makes someone sick.Contact your homeowner’s or farm insurance company to make sure you are covered.Liability policies for selling at farmers markets are very affordable.

Misc:Our market is certified to take WIC and Senior Checks.Individuals must be certified each year to accept the checks.There have been many changes made this year.If you have any questions or want information on how to be certified please contact the market manager or Margaret Long at 515-242-6239.The market manager sat through this class and knows what is allowed please do not willing violate the regulations of the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.Please let the manager know before May 1^st if you plan to attend and are certified so that we can finish our certification paperwork and submit it to the state.Also contact the manager if you will be accepting EBT, Credit or debit cards.

USDA Organic and other labels:If you are selling something that is USDA certified organic or have a product that is certified and inspected in some way that off-sets it from other products we encourage you to label it so.However, you may not label your products in this manner if they are not in fact certified.You may label products chemical free, pesticide free, hormone free etc without certification.Be willing to back up your claims to you customers.Baked goods that use all certified organic ingredients may not use the USDA Organic label unless they are made in a certified kitchen but a label that says all organic ingredients is acceptable.

Market Promotions:We will continue to hold the Market Basket drawing at 6:15 on Tuesdays and 10:00 on Saturdays.Vendors are expected to contribute something to the basket each week.Depending on what you are selling will determine what you contribute.A coupon or a $ off certificate is fine and of course your products are acceptable.New this year will be a table for the local food pantry.Customers will be encouraged to buy from Vendors and add it to the table.Vendors can donate left over/extra products at the end of the market.Food will be delivered to the local food bank the next morning.You are not required to contribute to this effort it is only a good will gesture.

If you have something special for the week let me know so I can advertise it.Customers like to know when the first tomatoes, sweet corn, melons, apples, pumpkins etc come in.

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Application for Greene County Farmer’s Market 2010

Name:

Farm/Business Name:

Phone Number:Cell Phone:

Address:

Email:

Days to Vend:(check)_____ Tuesday _______Saturday _______Both

I am interested in being a _____Seasonal Vendor or a _____daily vendor/punch pass

Items to be sold (if you have more than 5 types of vegetables, herbs, or baked goods you do not need to list each individual item):

Amount enclosed: $

Please mail application to:Alexis Hooper 713 S Oak Jefferson, IA 50129.Or email abirlex@yahoo.comPayment must be made on or before the first market day.Payment can be enclosed with this application.Make Checks payable to Greene County Farmers Market.