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Parks & Recreation - Farmers Market Vendors

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1. What are the dates and hours of operation of the Portage Farmers Market?

Opening day of the Portage Farmers Market will be on May 8^th, 2022. It will run every Sunday thereafter until October 23^rd, 2022. During these 25 weeks, the market hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

2. What size are the vendor stalls at the Portage Farmers Market?

Each market stall measures 10' by 10'. If additional space is required, arrangements must be made with the Market Manager prior to opening day.

3. What will I need to provide for my market stall?

Every vendor will be required to provide their own tent, table, signage/banner, and weights (at least 50 pounds per tent).

4. How much does a market stall cost?

A market stall with a table costs $325 per season. Daily vendors are charged $20 per day.

5. How much notice do I have to give for a cancellation?

Unless previously arranged, a 48-hour notice should be given to the Market Manager. Emergency cancellations need to be reported to the Market Manager ASAP.

6. Can I use the word "Organic" to describe my products?

Only vendors or farms that are certified organic, in accordance with the USDA National Organic Program may use the word "organic" in written or verbal form.

7. What type of vendor am I?

Growers are defined as vendors that feature 80% or more of products grown by their own business and are typically farmers who produce vegetables, fruits, flowers, etc.

Producers are vendors that sell 80% or more of prepared food or drink products, Michigan Cottage Food eligible products, value-added items, or processed goods resulting from animals raised by their business. For example: bakers, farmers who sell meats, cheeses, eggs, etc. 

Retailer are vendors where 20% or more of their market sales come from products that are grown or produced by another business or farm. Ex: some farms may sell items from cooperatives or other farms or represent additional vendors not featured at market. 

Artisans/Crafters sell hand-crafted, non-edible products that are locally made and are designed by the business owners and employees. Examples include: pottery, paintings, fiber arts, hand-blown glass, jewelry, etc.

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8. What time do I need to be set up by?

The Portage Farmers Market asks that all vendors be set up by 8:45 a.m. each Sunday. You may arrive as early as 8 a.m. to begin set-up. Any delays must be reported to the Market Manager ahead of time. A cell phone call or text message should be given to the Market Manager only in emergency situations.

9. Am I required to participate in food assistance programs?

It is not required. However, when applicable, it is strongly recommended that vendors participate in food-assistance programs. The Portage Farmers Market will be supporting SNAP, Double Up, Eat Smart Live Strong, Project Fresh and WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program during the 2022 season. 

10. Am I required to have liability insurance?

It depends. Vendors with liability insurance are required to provide the Market Manager with documentation of liability insurance 30 days prior to attending the Portage Farmers Market. All food vendors selling hot, ready to eat food items and vendors that are preparing food on-site must carry liability insurance in the amount no less that $1,000,000 and naming the City of Portage as additional insured. Vendors that are not required to carry liability insurance must sign the Hold Harmless waiver.

11. Will there be assigned spaces for vendors?

Yes. Seasonal vendors will be assigned their space on their first day of the market. Daily vendors will need to check in with the Farmers Market Manager each week during set-up, to find out their assigned space for the day. If you would like the same space as prior years, please make the Market Manager aware of your request either in person or on the application. 

12. Can I hand out literature and promotional material at the market?

You are able to hand out literature and promotional material about your products and your businesses. In fact, we encourage it. However, we ask that you refrain from handing out promotional material unrelated to your products and businesses as well as political literature. Additionally, please refrain from handing out literature for other businesses and products. 

13. Can Cottage Food producers sell food at the Farmers Market?

Yes. Cottage Food producers can sell food at the market. However, vendors must be properly labeled and comply with the State of Michigan Cottage Food laws. The Farmers Market Manager will also need to be notified in advance if any samples are being handed out to the public.

14. Can I give out samples to customers at the Farmers Market?

Yes. However, you do need to indicate what samples you are handing out to the public on your application. If you decide to hand out samples after your application has been submitted, you must notify the Farmers Market Manager in advance on what samples you are planning to hand out to the public. You must also comply with all state and federal regulations when sampling your products. 

15. How can I become a vendor?

Before you can become a vendor, you must first fill out a vendor application which is available online (Farmers Market | Portage, MI (portagemi.gov). Your application will be approved or denied based on the type of goods you sell and the amount of space that is available in the market. If you are approved, please refer to the market application for deposit and payment deadlines.

16. What can I sell at the Market?

You must sell products or goods that comply with Federal and State laws and regulations. Vendors must also make or grow 75% of the products or goods that they sell at the market. Vendors are allowed to sell products made by other farms, vendors and manufactures. However, these products must be detailed on the application or approved by the Market Manager.

17. How do I bring and event or activity to the market?

The Portage Farmers Market is always open to event ideas, activity idea, and new partnerships. If you would like to bring an event or activity to the market, please contact the Farmers Market Manager at 269-329-4421 or pryora@portagemi.gov.