Vendor Info
Everything You Need to Know
We are now accepting applications for the 2024 season!
Goals of the Gardner Farmers Market
The Gardner Farmers Market aims to improve access to high quality local produce for the Gardner community and bolster local producers by promoting locally grown and/or produced products. The market's operational guidelines and vendor regulations are outlined below.
MDAR Market Requirements
The market must have two or more farmers, employees, volunteers, or representatives present at all times during operation.
Clear labeling of product origin is mandatory.
Compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations is required.
The market must have and abide by a set of rules ensuring a direct marketing opportunity for Massachusetts farmers, foresters, and fisheries, covering terms and conditions of sales, vendor eligibility, and compliance with laws and regulations.
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Pricing for Vendors
Pricing is based on type of vendor. If vendor commits to attend all markets in a season, there are discounted rates.
Local Farmer
Farmer who grows, raises, produces, their own products locally.
Commit to all Markets $40
Per Diem $15/market
Local Crafter and Baker
Locally made crafts and foods.
Commit to all Markets $55
Per Diem $25/market
Reseller
Selling products that you purchase from someone else.
Commit to all Markets $65
Per Diem $30/market
Apply to be a Vendor
See Market Rules & Regulations
Market Rules & Regulations
Market and Vendor Liability
Vendor Responsibility:
Vendors participating in the Gardner Farmers Market are responsible for:
1. Complying with all market rules, local, state, and federal laws.
2. Maintaining necessary licenses, permits, and insurance.
3. Ensuring the safety and cleanliness of their booth space.
4. Adhering to market appearance guidelines.
Review the MDAR Farmers Market Regulatory References
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Comply with the requirements for the Gardner Health Department
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Market Liability:
The Gardner Farmers Market is committed to providing a safe environment; however, it cannot be held liable for:
1. Damages or losses incurred by vendors or visitors due to unforeseen circumstances or acts of nature.
2. Any disputes or conflicts arising between vendors or visitors.
3. Injuries, loss, or damages resulting from non-compliance with market rules or negligence on the part of vendors or visitors.
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Dispute Resolution and Liability Acknowledgment:
Vendors acknowledge the market's dispute resolution process and understand their responsibility for liability. The market reserves the right to update or modify this procedure as necessary for the well-being and integrity of the Gardner Farmers' Market.
Vendor Approval
1. The Market Manager along with the Gardner Market Committee selects vendors prior to May.
2. Returning vendors in good standing will have first refusal for available slots the following year.
3. The Market Manager and Market Committee approve vendors before opening day. There may be mid-season additions if space is available.
4. The Committee reserves the right to limit vendors to ensure market strength and that the focus remains on farmers.
5. Vendors must identify on the application whether they plan to bring anything not grown or made on their own property.
6. Inspection of premises where a product is produced or processed may be conducted.
Details
Reselling:
1. Reselling is permitted with limitations to offer a variety of locally grown food. Clear labeling is required.
2. Produce vendors are required to produce 75% of what they sell.
3. Vendors must list all possible resale products on their original registration form.
4. Local production protection measures are in place.
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Permits and Restrictions:
a. Vendors are responsible for obtaining necessary licenses, permits, and insurance.
b. Vendors who sell baked or processed goods must have proper licenses. Scales must be sealed by an official City or State Sealer of Weights and Measures.
c. All licenses and permits must be approved by the Gardner Board of Health.
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Market Appearance for booth and personnel:
a. Clean, secure, and professional presentation is required, with no dogs under canopies.
b. Display clear signage for name of vendor.
c. Display clear signage for any item not produced, created, or grown on vendor's property.
d. Violations are subject to permanent removal from the Gardner Farmers' Market.
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Code of Conduct:
Farmers and vendors participating in our market must uphold high standards of environmental stewardship and community responsibility. This includes minimizing any nuisances caused by activities such as air and water pollution, erosion, flood, noise, odor, dust, vibrations, lights, or visually offensive structures or site features. We expect all participants to operate in a manner that respects the well-being of our community and the environment. Failure to adhere to these principles may result in expulsion from the market.
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Additional Info:
1. No sales are to be made to customers before market opening. Vendors may purchase from each other.
2. Pick up for CSA or pre-orders are acceptable during market hours.
3. The Gardner Market Committee reserves the right to modify rules.
4. Market Manager and the Gardner Market Committee reserve the right to remove a vendor mid-season without refund if issues arise.
5. Final arbiter for all market issues is the Gardner Market Manager.