Johnson County Farmers Market Rules and Regulations 2021

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Johnson County Farmers' Market is a Producer-Only Farmers Market

Located in an open air Community at Ralph Stout Park, Mountain City Tn.

Johnson County Farmers Market Season: Starts the first Saturday in May through the last Saturday in October. We operate from 9:00am until 12:00pm 

Johnson County Farmers Market works to strengthen a sustainable local agriculture and food economy. We do this by promoting food education, engaging in community and economic development and promoting the availability of fresh, healthy local food and agriculture.re.

JCFM provides area producers with an opportunity to sell, and customers with an opportunity to buy (1) fresh, home-grown produce, (2) a variety of plants including (but not limited to) shrubs, ornamental grasses, annuals, perennials, vegetable transplants, etc., and (3) certain processed foods which meet Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) and, in some cases, Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines and regulations

JCFM is strictly a PRODUCER ONLY MARKET (No re-selling allowed) and will be open to Producer-Vendors from Johnson, Sullivan, Carter and Washington counties of Tennessee, Washington county Virginia, Ashe, Watauga, and Avery counties of North Carolina. Products must be raised in those areas. 

Producer-Vendors are only allowed to sell produce and select other agricultural products that the Producer-Vendor personally and physically grew/ produced. The sale of any products not grown or produced by the vendor, the reselling of goods, or the sale of goods that have been obtained by trading or bartering is strictly prohibited and is grounds for dismissal from the market. 

Craft and Non-agricultural Vendors products must be handcrafted by the vendor. Some examples of non-edible handmade items are: carvings, artwork, jewelry, soaps, lotions, wreaths, etc., and are allowed and defined in detail below.

*All items must be handmade or homegrown, with the exception of non-profits booths. We do not allow any type of resale or catalog items at the market.

Allowed Products/Definitions 

Farmers, growers & producers

• Crops: fruit, vegetables, grains, etc. 
• Animal Products: meat, seafood, eggs, dairy
• Plants: fresh-cut flowers and plants

Cottage Foods

• Breads, cakes, pastries, cookies, candies, honey, jams, jellies, fruit pies, dry herbs and seasonings, homemade pasta, cereals, nuts, vinegars and popcorn. Click here for more information: cottage food guidelines

Specialty Foods

• Jerky, canned fruits, vegetables, chutneys, butters, flavored oils, hummus, salsas, pickles, bakery goods requiring refrigeration (cheesecake, cream pies, etc.), cheese products, cut fruits and vegetables, juices, BBQ sauces and focaccia-style breads.(Some products are required by the state of TN to be processed in a Certified Kitchen and Certification displayed)

Artists & Crafters

• Painting, Mixed Media and Photography
• Pottery, Ceramics and Glassworks
• Candles, Soaps and Beauty Products 
• Art made from recycled items
• Clothing, Jewelry and Hair Accessories
• Embroidery, Quilts, Knit & Crocheted Items 
• Woodworks
• Garden & Home Décor

Pet Food Products (These products are required by the state of TN to be processed in a Certified Kitchen and Certification displayed)

Food Vendors (prepared on-site) (Need to meet local and state requirements to sell)

Non-Profit Organizations (board approval needed to participate with JCFM)

Rules

1. Produce is defined as vegetables, fresh herbs, fruit, meat, fish, dairy and eggs. At least 50% of produce offered from any vendor must be locally grown or raised. This is for the purpose of being able to offer produce not typically grown in our region (like peaches or avocados).
2. Vendors of prepared foods either brought to the market or made at the market need to have their products labeled as to where they are prepared and contents as outlined in the Food Safety Rules. Raw materials sourced locally as much as possible. The current Tennessee regulations regarding food safety are found on our website JohnsonCountyFM.com.
3. Non-edible products are flowers, plants, personal products, kitchenware and crafts. These products must be produced locally, however the raw materials do not have to be sourced locally.  
4. Hemp products, plants, seeds, leaves, flowers and vaping products cannot be sold at JCFM. Soaps and  lotions are exempt from this.
5. Products not produced by a vendor, or vendors offering services must be approved by the Board in advance.
6. A scale is provided by the market. Vendors may provide their own. It is the vendor’s responsibility to assure the scale meets the Tennessee Department of Agriculture standards
7. While the Farmers Market carries liability insurance, this does not cover liability for individual vendors. It is recommended that each vendor carry their own insurance, which would cover any venue, not just JCFM.
8. All vendors must indicate the origin of their products. Any misrepresentation can result in expulsion from the market.
9. It is the responsibility of the vendor to assure all regulations are met regarding their offered products.
10. Products for human consumption are not to be displayed on the ground.
11. All vendors must display their name and their farm/business name.
12. Vendors may sell from the backs of their trucks in their space.
13. Vendors will set their own pricing. A vendor may not use the market as a dumping ground by intentional price undercutting.
14. Applicable sales tax is the responsibility of the vendor.
15. All vendors are asked to report their earnings anonymously at the end of the day in order for the market manager to have an accurate account of the total income generated for grant writing purposes.
16. Vendors should show professionalism that promotes good communication, respect and  the best interests of the market. Disruptive actions may result in suspension from the market.
17. All vendors are asked to make themselves knowledgeable of the Emergency Management Plan that is made available by the Market Manager.
18. Vendors are encouraged to attend the various educational programs and workshops hosted by the agencies associated with the Johnson County Farmers Market. JCFM Board of Directors and/or it’s representatives will notify its members via email of upcoming events and or classes.

Vendor Fees 

1. Vendor Application fee is $10 and is non-refundable. Application must be completed and turned into manager prior to selling. All forms and materials can be found on our website johnsoncountyfm.com. If you do not have access to the internet, please ask JCFM personnel to provide paper copies.
2. Daily rate is $8 per market, due before the market opens and space is subject to change each time you participate.  If a vendor has not arrived by 8am, their saved space is subject to being reallocated to another vendor.“Season” vendors may reserve a booth space for the 2021 season (May-October) by paying an Application fee of $15 and the upfront Seasonal fee $175.00 due May 1st, 2021. Seasonal booths are guaranteed the same market space each week and will be given first choice of booth space. 
3. All JCFM fees are non-refundable (even if a vendor decides to give up the reserved space, stops participating in the market prior to the end of a market season, or forfeits reserved space due to repeated violation of any or part of the JCFM Rules and Regulations) and non-transferable.
4. There will be a $30 processing fee for any check which is returned to the JCFM account for insufficient funds.  Fees are payable by cash or check to the market manager. Make checks payable to Johnson County Farmers Market.
5. Each vendor is responsible for having adequate weights (at least 24lbs each leg) for their own tent. If you don’t have weights, you may rent them from the market for $2 a set. 
6. If you are renting a tent from the market, the weights are included in that rent. Tents with weights are available to rent for $6/day. Tables are available for $2/day. Please arrive no later than 8am if you will be renting a tent or table. These are available on a first come, first serve basis.
7. Vendors must conform to the precepts of a Grant in order to be eligible for tokens associated with that grant, i.e. the JOCO grant specifically dictates that its purpose is to promote healthy eating habits for children. Vendors promoting specific causes cannot use these tokens when selling promotional foods, such as candy, artificially flavored/colored drinks and ices, etc. Products eligible for these grant tokens are subject to the pre-confirmation of the Board of Directors.

Eblast & Rsvp’s

Vendors will be asked to RSVP via email to the market manager each week for the primary purpose of advertising what will be at the market that week. The sooner you can report your wares, the more publications we can advertise you in. The second purpose is organizing the market tents on Saturday. If a vendor says they will be at the market and does not show up without informing the manager by 7am Saturday morning, the vendor will be charged for that space. If this happens a second time the vendor will have to go before the board to return to the market.

Environment & Safety

1. In order to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone our market is a Smoking and Vaping FREE zone from the beginning of set-up to the end of breakdown of the market.
2. Each vendor’s space needs to be kept clean and orderly. Please leave the space clean when you leave.
3. Live animals for sale may be advertised but not brought to the market.

2021 Health & Safety Protocols

For the health and safety of all, here are a couple of changes to the market for 2021. These rules are subject to change.

• JCFM requests all vendors and customers to wear masks during their participation at the market, unless you have health issues that don’t allow you to.
• Vendors will be spaced at least six feet apart 
• Customers will be asked not to touch produce.
• The number of Customers will be limited at a booth space at a time and will be asked to social distance. 
• Hand washing sanitation station will be set up at the front entrance of the market.
• Concessions or ready to eat food will not be available at this time, nor outdoor seating. 
• At times the number of vendors that are allowed to sell at the market will be limited if the requirement arises at our market.

We appreciate your patience with the changes to protect all who participate with Johnson County Farmers Market.

Weather Protocols 

In the event of inclement weather conditions, the Board may decide to change market times or cancel the market. Vendors will be informed via email.

JCFM aims to provide a fair and healthy market environment. 

Neither JCFM nor anyone associated with supervision and/or management of the market operation will assume any liability resulting from accident, injury, or theft. Items which are lost, stolen, or damaged will not be the responsibility of the market or those associated with operation of the market. JCFM and its members are subject to all laws, rules, and regulations governing public property and use of Ralph Stout Park. 

The following, among other things, must be adhered to:

•Under no circumstances will alcoholic beverages be permitted on the premises.

•Smoking or use of tobacco products is not allowed on the premises. 

•Unattended children are prohibited from the market.

The market manager is responsible for enforcement of the rules and regulations. A vendor not in compliance will receive a written warning the first time. This will be reported to the board. A second offense will result in the vendor being asked to leave. The vendor may request to have the situation reviewed by the market Board of Directors. This will be done at the next appointed board meeting.

Disputes or complaints between vendors, should they arise, are expected to be resolved promptly and in a responsible and considerate manner. Hostile confrontations between vendors will not be tolerated and may result in one or all parties being banned from the JCFM. 

Complaints or concerns about the market operations must be submitted in writing with optional suggestions to resolve the issue or concern. Submissions can be presented in person to a board member, or by email to the JCFM Board of Directors. All complaints will be given serious consideration as well as prompt attention and resolution will be discussed at the next appointed board meeting.

If persons,vendors or its members are interested in donating money for specific purposes to JCFM, they are required to submit in writing a detailed proposal to the JCFM Board of Directors by email or hand it directly to a board member. Proposals will be discussed at the next appointed board meeting.