Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year for new producers.

Returning producers are expected to complete the application annually. Applications are provided to these producers each December for the following year. They are expected to complete these applications before their reservations for the previous year expire, typically in early February.  Returning producers who do not complete the application before this date may lose their market reservations.

Before beginning the process of selling in farmers’ markets, we encourage you to visit the market you are interested in and speak with the Market Manager. Market Managers are continuously looking for unique additions to their markets to give a variety of goods and services to their customers.  This is the time to give your elevator pitch and tell the Market Manager why your product would benefit the market. It is also the time to observe the market and see if it would be a good fit for your product.

PCFMA requires that all vendors have general liability insurance for $1,000,000 with PCFMA listed as additionally insured.  You can get general liability insurance through your home insurance provider, or you can search for insurance providers on the internet.  The cost of general liability insurance coverage varies, but it can cost anywhere from $200 - $800 annually.

This all depends on what you’re selling.  Producers preparing food on-site are required to follow all California fire and health code regulations and may need to bring more equipment (fire extinguishers, chlorine test strips, etc.).  Below is a list of essentials all producers should bring with them when selling at the market:

Artisan items are defined as non-food products that are handmade.  Services such as knife-sharpening also fall within this category.  We are very selective about the type and number of artisan sellers allowed to in our markets and will always give preference to farms and to businesses selling food products.  Below is a list of a few artisan items PCFMA allows to be sold in its markets:

A certified kitchen is defined as a fully equipped prep kitchen that has been certified by the county health department where it is located.  The type of facility can vary but the most common are shared kitchen spaces, restaurants, and food incubators.  Below are a few lists of Bay Area commercial kitchens:

PCFMA currently allows items prepared in certified commercial kitchens and products made with a Cottage Food Operator permit, with certain limitations. Certified farmers using their produce in Cottage Food Operations are exempt from these limitations.

PCFMA operates markets in six different counties and each county health department has its unique process for allowing food vendors to sell in farmers’ markets.  Once the Market Manager approves you to sell in their market, you may begin the process of obtaining your county-specific permits.  Visit the page linked below to learn what the requirements are for each county.

Producers that sell pre-made and ready-to-eat foods are an essential part of the farmers’ market experience, and we love the unique products they bring to each market. These are the basic requirements for these kinds of producers:

Farms and ranches that wish to sell in PCFMA markets must be located within California and be certified by their local county agricultural commissioner. Farms may only sell certified agricultural products they grow themselves. Non-certifiable agricultural products such as meat, milk, and cheese must be processed in a USDA facility, and producers selling these products may be required to have additional permits depending on the commodity.