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What Exactly is a Certified Farmers Market? IN 1977 a law was passed that allowed farmers to take their produce directly to the consumer without going through a packinghouse for inspection. That doesn't mean "no inspections". Federal, State and County laws and Inspectors still strictly govern the produce. A Farmers Market may be started by a department of the government, by a non-profit organization or by a farmer. Costly State, County and City permits must be obtained. A one million dollar insurance policy must be in place. Health Department, Department of Weights & Measures, Food & Ag Direct Marketing program fees, street closures, business license, advertising, signage and all the regular business expenses are involved. The individual farmer has to have a County Food & AG Department Certified Producers Certificate, a yearly inspection of their farm & a statement of produce grown to prove they sell their own produce. Egg producer and nursery stock license are also required. Certified Farmers Markets provide multiple benefits for small farmers, consumers and the community. For farmers, the CFM's provide an outlet especially suited to moving smaller volumes of produce, creating a marketing channel outside of the traditional large volume commercial systems. CFM's also allow farmers to sell field run produce not restricted to pack & grade standards. This enables the farmer to sell tree-ripened fruit and vine ripe vegetables, which are too delicate for packing & shipping. Consumer's benefit by the quality & cost saved by eliminating the middleman. The markets bring a strong sense of community identity, provide a meeting of farmers & consumers, serve as an educational & multi-cultural experience, and provide nutritional information and address agricultural issues. |
