Make sure that you’ll be comfortable for the entirety of the market and that it’s manageable for the number of people working the market to move and set up. Market Suppliesĭepending on the farmers market, you will probably have to bring your own tents, tables, and chairs. For sealing services, contact Anthony Goes at (401) 727-0173. You can bring either a hanging or an electronic scale - just make sure you get the scale inspected by the Department of Labor and Training's Weights and Measures Department once a year! Market scales must be 'sealed for trade' or legal for trade. Protecting Your Assets With Business Liability Insuranceĭo not forget a scale if you are going to sell items that are not pre-packaged.Shop for a good quote! Here are some resources with more information:

You should have proper insurance in place for the types of products you sell, including a General or Farm/Business Liability policy. Many farmers markets require vendors to have it. Insurance protects you in the unlikely event that someone gets hurt, sick, or injured as the result of an act by you. The Rhode Island Raised Livestock Association (RIRLA) has prepared guides and resources for you in this process, including wholesale permits and contact information for people and procedures. To sell to restaurants, grocers, or other wholesale buyers, you will need additional permitting (for your refrigerated truck and on-farm freezer storage). This license will allow you to sell directly to consumers both at the farmers market and at your farm. If you plan to sell farm-raised meat, you will need to apply for a RI Dept of Health Retail Food Peddler License. Contact the RI Department of Health if you think you might be eligible. If you are a farm selling jam or bakery products, you may qualify for a Home Manufacturer License if you cook approved foods in your farm kitchen. Apply for a Farm Home Manufacturer License.If you are only selling fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, or non-food items, you will not need a license from the Department of Health. Apply for a Department of Health License.For most businesses this will be a Food Business License, but the license you will need must be determined by the DOH. RI Department of Health LicensesĪll vendors who are selling any food other than fruits and vegetables, eggs, or honey need a license from the RI Department of Health (DOH).

See contact information for every City Hall in RI. Town/City Hall RequirementsĮach town may have specific vendor licenses so check with the town in which you will be selling. Is the food you'll be selling taxable? Check with the RI Division of Taxation at (401) 574-8955. For assistance, visit for step-by-step guidance through the registration process. However, this style of market can be challenging to more selective markets as well as to local producers by confusing customers about what the term 'farmers market' really means.Īll new businesses in RI need to complete the RI Business Application and Registration (BAR).

There are also markets with no rules whatsoever.

RI Farms or Regional? Some markets allow only food and farms from RI, while others accept foods produced in MA, CT, and elsewhere in New England.

Still other markets allow you to buy in items as long as you’re maintaining a certain percentage of your own items. Some other markets allow you to 'buy in' a certain percentage of your crops from local farms after everyone else is done selling what they grew (for example, people who buy in blueberries can't sell them until all the Class A blueberries are sold). By and large, these are not the majority in RI.

Class A or Buying In? 'Class A' markets only allow you to sell what you grow.

Types of Products Allowedĭetermine if your product mix is a good fit for the farmers markets where you want to sell. You can talk to the managers of farmers markets near you to get a better idea of what is being sold and who is buying at those markets to help make this decision.

Do you want to sell to your own community or further from home?.

Do you have food that is appropriate for a variety of shoppers?.

If you can't personally be at the market, who do you want representing you?.

Do you have enough food for a three-hour farmers market?.

Do you have the time and energy to travel to a market and set up your stand?.

Additionally, it is always good to consider the following when thinking about joining a farmers market. Selling at a farmers market can be an excellent way to generate income, introduce people to new products, attract community members who may have never seen a ripe tomato the day it was picked, and inspire others to grow their own food.

Food stamps application ri