Independence Park Farmers Market Guidelines

The Independence Park Farmers Market is a summer market held on the second and fourth Sundays from June through October. The mission of the Independence Park Farmers Market, is to provide a community marketplace for local farmers and makers of food-related products, bakers, specialty food producers, live plant, flower and herb growers, and consumers.

The Farmers Market also seeks to enhance the quality of life in the greater Independence Park area by supporting environmentally sound and sustainable agriculture, encouraging direct communication between growers and consumers, and providing an environment that fosters social gathering and interaction.

Market Guidelines:

The Greater Independence Park Farmers Market is primarily an agricultural market but also provides a variety of products made by local bakers, specialty food producers, live plants, plus food-related products and services. All products and goods sold at the market must be made or grown locally by the vendor. Products cannot be brought in and resold. All vendors are expected to participate in the market in a spirit of cooperation. Vendors may occasionally be asked to contribute produce or products toward promotional events, fundraisers, and giveaways for market customers or sponsors. For example, vendors may be asked to donate a basket of berries or a few potatoes for a special GIPNA-sponsored event. Please support the market by participating in these events. All vendors must use certified legal-for-trade scales if selling by the pound. Scales are subject to inspection at random throughout the summer.

The vendor categories are as follows:

• Farmer/Producer:

Farmers/producers must grow/produce 100% of the product they sell, with any exception approved by the Market Manager. Please note any exceptions in the application and/or to the Market Manager in advance of any sales of such items. Farmer/producer-owned cooperative are included in this policy.

• Processor:

Any vendor who sells a value-added product who is not the primary grower or producer of the raw ingredients used to make that product.

• Prepared Foods:

Any vendor, including Farmer/Producers and Processors that intend to prepare foods on site for sale and/or consumption are considered Prepared Food Vendors.

• Other:

Although the Market is primarily a place for local farmers and processors of agricultural products, prepared foods and food related services, we may accept a limited number of vendors of other goods at our discretion. Examples include vermiculture, handmade soaps, and rain barrels.

All new vendors will be subject to approval prior to selling at the market. Eligibility will be determined by the Market Manager. The Market Manager will review new vendor applications to avoid over representation of similar vendors and decisions are based also on space availability. The Independence Park Farmers Market strives to achieve a high percentage of agricultural vendors. Food-related products and services will be approved by the Market Manager and will be consistent with the mission of the GIPNA Farmers Market. Requests for exceptions to these guidelines may be addressed to the GIPNA Board of Directors.