Rules and Regulations for Governing the Operation of Indiana County Farmers’ Market

Rules and Regulations for Governing the Operation of

Indiana County Farmers’ Market

  1. The market shall be known as the INDIANA COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET.
  1. The Indiana County Farmers’ Market is a Producer Only market.  
  1. The market will be open the first Saturday in June through the last Saturday in October and the first Wednesday in June to the first Wednesday in October.
  1. Vendors are permitted to begin set up 1 hour prior to market start up and must clear the market area 1 hour after closing. Saturday vendors must arrive 30 minutes prior to start time, otherwise they may not vend. Markets start and end at the listed times. (Saturday starts at sound of the church bell.) Vendor to vendor sales are permitted anytime. 
  1. All persons selling at the market shall become members of the organization by paying the annual membership fee. Fees are non-refundable. Annual membership entitles you to a permanent market space for the season. New vendors must attend orientation. Mini memberships entitle you to 5 weeks at the market. If you choose to extend your 5-week membership, the fee is the amount due to pay up to a full-time membership. First year mini members only may pay per week if fewer than 10 weeks remain in the market season.

    New vendors must complete orientation which is available by PowerPoint or hard copy if you lack computer access.

    Members participating in the SNAP/CC token program must complete annual updates.
  1. New members may be accepted after May, upon approval of the Board of Directors. Applications for membership must be submitted a minimum of one (1) week in advance of the first day he/she wishes to market.
  1. A producer membership entitles the holder to one market space, equivalent to two (2) parking spaces. 
    One extra space only may be purchased on first come first served basis.
  1. Items permitted for sale:
    A.) Generally: Items allowed for sale shall include vegetables, herbs, fruits, cut flowers, live plants, baked goods, other food products, jellies, jams, preserves, honey, maple syrup products, mushrooms, meats, eggs, dairy products, cider and crafts that are value-added items originating from farm grown products. Value added products (crafts or other) must be produced within Indiana county and the number of vendors selling value added products cannot exceed 40% of total vendors.

    All items must be grown or made by the vendor.

    B.) Crafts: Crafts generated from farm raised products are acceptable. Examples would be wool and fiber products, leather products from farm animals, dried flowers, fresh holiday greenery, and beeswax candles/products. Exceptions will be made for other locally produced artwork and products upon approval of the Board of Directors.

    C. ) Value added items: Baked goods and any other value added items must be a product of the vendor. 
      1. Regulatory Compliance: Vendors must comply with local, state, and federal regulations that apply to their businesses and have appropriate licenses that pertain to the products they sell.
      1. No animals are permitted on the market premises with the exception of service animals. PA Dept. Ag Act 106.
      1. Each member is responsible to provide the equipment necessary to display and market his/her products. Vendors must secure their tables, shelter, and/or cover with adequate supports and weights and ensure safety at their stands.  Each member shall keep his/her market space free from refuse during market hours. Empty containers and equipment shall be kept in an orderly manner and confined to his/her market space. 
      1. The designation of vendor spaces shall be at the discretion of the market manager.
      1. No member shall have the right to sublease, sell, transfer or permit any other producer to use his/her market stand.
      1. Each member shall remain on his/her own market space when selling his/her farm products. Sales shall be conducted in an orderly business manner. No shouting or other objectionable means of soliciting trade shall be tolerated.
      1. Each member agrees to make his/her stand and products offered for sale as attractive as possible. All persons selling at the market must display the business name.
      1. Market vendors are responsible for their own liability insurance. The market does not carry insurance on the vendors. The market insurance specifically covers the public areas of the market, example: public walking area.
      1. An onsite interview may be conducted prior to the start of market season to verify the products listed on your application and sold at market are grown or made by the vendor. 

        Any violations will be followed up with a letter/email to the vendor. If issues continue the vendor may face suspension, disqualification, or termination of a vendor’s participation in the market and shall not entitle said vendor to a refund of any market participation fee. 
      1. The Board of Directors will seek to maintain a balance of vendors selling various crops and products. Previous vendors are highly encouraged to continue to participate in the farmers’ market. 

        New vendors selling items not already sold at the market will be sought. For example, in 2022 there is a need for: dairy products and cheese, orchards, berries, and specialty crops not already represented at the market.
      2. All persons selling at the market agree to abide by the above rules and regulations. 
      1. The above rules and regulations are to be enforced by the Board of Directors of the Organization, who is responsible for the management of the market. They may be altered by a majority of the members present at any regular or special meeting called by the Board and announced one (1) week in advance.

      Amended; January 2023

      Tips for New Vendors

      We take the market rules and regulations very seriously for everyone’s sake. You are REQUIRED TO FOLLOW ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS as stated with your ICFM application. This includes but is not limited to meeting all licensing and regulations for the items you sell. Please contact your PA Dept of Ag food inspector to answer your questions and ensure you are in compliance. A copy of any required license must accompany your market application.

      General onsite rules:

      • Always drive slow as you enter market area and your spot.
      • All vendors must stay for the duration of the market hours. (Do not leave early)
      • All vendors expected to take turns assisting with set up and take down of general market signs and barricades. This is most pertinent at Saturday market.

      Saturday Market – S&T Parking Lot at S. 8th & Church St.

      • This location is not normally windy but can have some winds depending on weather so always be prepared as far as canopy weights. Again your responsibility.
      • All spots are assigned and a map of the market area will be made available to vendors a couple days prior to first Saturday market. Please watch your email for the map to be sent.
      • All market vendors are asked to share responsibility of getting market signage out and putting it away for the day. (The market is strictly run by volunteers.)
      • A tent is set up on Saturdays where customers may purchase tokens both with their EBT ACCESS card (SNAP Program) and credit card. The tokens are then spent at the market. Vendors must have completed the appropriate training and paperwork to accept the tokens.
      • Other special activities also take place at Saturday market.
      • Restrooms – the closest restrooms are located in local businesses along Philadelphia St such as The Artists Hand, please plan accordingly. If you are by yourself and need to leave your stand ask a neighboring vendor to help watch your stand.
      • Musicians – We ask you donate an item to musicians who perform since they are volunteering to support the market, however it is your choice whether or not to do so.

      How to accept FMNP/SFMNP

      We encourage our vendors to accept FMNP/SFMNP checks! FMNP stands for “Farmers Market Nutrition Programs” and the “S” stands for “Seniors.” Recipients of FMNP/SFMNP include participants of the WIC (Women, Infants, Children) program as well as low-income seniors in our community.

      Farmers must apply with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) in order to register their farm to accept these checks.

      Why should you apply? It not only increases your customer base, it helps to provide access to healthy food for women, children, and seniors.

      Learn more about FMNP