Spaces are available for the 2010 Market season
If you are interested in selling home-grown produce, honey, meats, cheeses, eggs or other farm products at the Farmers' Market, please contact Ed O'Brien at (812) 829-2307. Vendors must have a contract and application on file prior to selling at Market. For general market information contact the CFMOC at cfmowenco@gmail.com
Forms needed for selling at the Market
Complete the appropriate form and return to Community Farmers' Market of Owen County.
View and Print the 2010 Market Season Rules. You may also Contact the Market Master, Ed O'Brien at (812) 829-2307 to request a complete copy of the Community Farmers' Market of Owen County, Inc. Rules.
General Market Information
Good new for our vendors and growers! The Market has worked hard and has met its start up costs and we're passing this along to our vendors. This means we are able to lower our rates this 2010 season! We are thrilled to be able to do this. The success of meeting our start up costs also means that we are able to focus more of markets funds to advertising and getting the word out about our market. If you know of additional advertising opportunities we should pursue we would like your input on these avenues. The success of the Community Farmers' Market of Owen County depends on you, the vendors, and the community that visits. . Help get the word out by printing one of these flyers and giving to friends or hang it in public areas. We are hopeful this will be our most successful year yet
2010 Market Season Fees
- Full season booth rental is $120.00 ($130 savings from last years fees) for May 1 - October 16, 2009 (July 3rd and September 18th market will be closed for the holiday and the Apple Butter Festival)
- Seasonal (12 weeks during season) booth rental is $75.00 ($69 savings)
- Daily booth rental is $10 and is due on or before the Saturday the booth is to be rented
A Few Need to Know Requirements for Vendors
- Contracts and payment for full and seasonal vendors must be received by the Market Master, Ed O'Brien, at least 48 hr before your first market date. Mailing address is listed on the contract. The Market Master is requiring that if you are a full season vendor and will not be able to attend a particular Saturday that you contact him, Ed O'Brien at (812) 829-2307 at your earliest convenience so we can fill in your space that week to keep a coherent flow to the market. Reserved spaces not claimed before 8 am may be reassigned to another vendor for that day. In the same manner if you are a seasonal vendor we require that you contact Ed O'Brien at (812) 829-2307 48 hr prior to the Saturdays you will be attending so we can configure the market for that week.
- For those wishing to rent space on a daily (week by week) basis no contract is needed, but booth payments must be made before the start of market on the days of setting up. Also vendors must contact the Market Master, Ed O'Brien at (812) 829-2307 at least 48 hrs before the Saturday you plan to attend, so we can assure you a booth space.
- The Board reserves the right to refuse admittance to any vendor that the Board feels does not meet the eligibility requirements or does not serve the best interests of the Market. To review the 2010 Market Season Rules changes and regulations please read this document, Community Farmers Market of Owen County, Inc. Rules 2010 Market Season. For a complete set of rules contact the Market Master, Ed O'Brien at (812) 829-2307.
- The Board and/or Market Master reserves the right to inspect any kitchen or farm of participating market vendors. We may choose to make a visit when complaints have been made to the Market Master as we deem it necessary. If following the initial inspection the Board and/or Market Master feels it is necessary they may require a State inspection by the Owen County Board of Health.
- Need to know STATE Requirements
- Prepared food vendors and value added food vendors MUST carry liability insurance and provide proof of coverage to Market Master prior to vending. Contact your local insurance agent and ask about Farmers' Market / Value added food policies; it is the board's understanding that these items ARE NOT covered by your home owners policy and an additional policy is necessary.
- While hand sanitizers are good the state requires even after their use that you rinse your hands in hot water when dealing with food items. So play it safe and just wash your hands with soap and HOT water after being away from your booth (including smoking breaks) or situations where your hands are in contact with possible germs or dirt.
- Egg vendors MUST have state egg license with a copy included with contract and copy on site. New labeling requirements include having your own label which covers the entire top of the carton and/or any other marketers labeling (such as reused cartons from grocery store). Information on the label is to include your name/farm name, address, phone number, date collected, and expiration date. Also eggs must be kept in properly regulated temperates while at market which will be inspected. PLEASE BE AWARE the board has been notified that the state WILL BE inspecting farmers markets more this year and these regulations MUST be met. Also be aware that egg license expire mid market season so a renewal of the license will be necessary during the market with new license information documented.
- Vendors with meat products must have proper labeling and meat processed at a state or federal inspected plant if selling at market. Also meat vendors must keep product in properly regulated temperates while at market, which will be inspected.
- Water test required for all vendors with well water. The health department is requiring vendors with well water have one (1) good water test report on file before selling at market. Free water test kits maybe be picked up at the Owen County Board of Health Department located on the first floor of the Owen County Courthouse. Test kits must be turned back into the OC Board of Health Dept by noon on Mondays or Tuesdays to be sent to state for results. Test kits may also be found at Dillman's in Bloomington for a small cost. The OC Board of Health director encourages everyone needing this test to submit it as quickly as possible so you have time to complete additional test if your well does not come back with a good report before market.
- New rules for Add on Food Vendors including labeling and HBV (Home Based Vendor) establishments. Add on Foods are food such as cookies, jams, jellies, breads, cut vegetables, and anything prepared and individually sold. This is a 10 page document, please read carefully for all information regarding these new regulations. ... view "Guidance for Uniform Use of House Enrolled Act 1309" from Indiana State Department of Health.
- For more information regarding Indiana State Department of Health regulations for Farmers Market Vendor go to www.statehealth.in.gov
- UPDATE 4/16/2010 - Here is more information regard HBVs (Home Based Vendors) from a Purdue workshop Market Master, Ed, attended. This document includes examples of foods that may or may not be sold by HBVs as well as other important links and information.
- Also note and be aware that all produce is to be six (6) inches off the ground.
Additional Information
New for 2010
- Vendors are not permitted to close their booth before the conclusion of the market day for insurance liability reasons. Any vendor leaving the Market before the close of the day could be assessed a $50.00 fine, which is due before the next Market day.
- Vendors will be allowed to sell Morel Mushrooms. ALL vendors with morel mushrooms MUST have product inspected by a board member or the Market Master before they are allowed to sell. If a vendor is only selling morel mushrooms they are not permitted to close their booth before the conclusion of the market day, so please be prepared to stay even if your items sell out before the end of market.
- ANY Saturday is craft day. Unlike the 2009 Season we will not have designated Craft Days in the 2010 season. CRAFT VENDORS are welcomed to attend any Saturday during the market season.
- In addition to the lower fees the CMFOC board has decided, at this time, they will not sell baked goods at the Market Cafe so that vendors may have more opportunities in this area. However, vendors wishing to sell baked goods are subject to Health Department Regulations and should meet those regulations prior to selling at market. View the "Guidance for Uniform Use of House Enrolled Act 1309" from Indiana State Department of Health for more information or the Owen County Health Department may be contacted at (812) 829-5017 or by visiting 60 S. Main Street - Courthouse (1st Floor) Spencer IN 47460.
- Swap or Buck a Book program will be held at the Market Cafe. Everyone is welcomed to participate. If you bring a book you can exchange it for another book in the program or you may purchase a book in the program for $1.00. It is the board's hope that children visiting the market will have new books to take home every week. Donations welcomed if you have unused books someone else would like to read.
- New hours for the 2010 market season on Saturdays from May 1 through August 28 market will be opened from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. On Saturdays from September 4 through October 16 market will be opened 9:00 am to 12 noon. Market will be closed September 18 during Apple Butter and July 3 during holiday weekend.