2014
Medina County Farmers Market
Rules and Regulations
2014
Our Mission:
The mission of the Medina County Farmers Market is to provide a venue where local farmers, bakers/food producers, and artists can sell their high-quality products directly to the customer. The Market encourages direct communication between consumers and growers, fosters social gathering and community building, and promotes nutritious food choices.
Secondary goals are to educate the consumer about the many benefits to the individual, the community, and the environment of buying locally produced food, and to enhance and enrich the community and culture of Medina County. The Market also provides and encourages local entrepreneurial opportunities and brings energy and excitement to uptown Medina.
General Information: The Medina County Farmers Market (MCFM) is administered through Main Street Medina, by MSM Event Management LLC, in cooperation with the City of Medina, Ohio. Rules and Regulations for the Market are established by the Medina County Farmers Market Committee (MCFMC) comprised of vendor representatives and citizen representatives, with the Market Manager. Day-to-day decisions on Market days will be the responsibility of the Market Manager on duty for that day.
· Market Location, Dates and Hours: MCFM is held on the historic Medina Public Square in the City of Medina. The Market is held every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This year’s dates are May 31 to October 25, 2014.
· Vendor set-up is from 7:00 to 8:30 am. As a consideration to our customers, local businesses and the general public, no vendor vehicles shall remain parked on the roads surrounding the Square past 9:00 am. Violations will result in suspension or termination without refund of fees paid. Vendors are required to remain at their assigned site until 1:00 pm to maintain the appearance of a full vibrant function to the public.
· Applications:
· This is a producers-only Market, meaning that what is sold at the Market is grown or produced by the seller, with exceptions as needed and determined by the Medina County Farmers Market Committee and/or Market Manager.
· MCFM is an equal opportunity Market and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or nationality.
· Priority will be given to vendors whose applications are received prior to April 25th. However, applications will be accepted throughout the Market season.
· By submitting an application, potential vendors agree that decisions made by the MCFMC and/or the Market Manager are final.
Permits:
· Vendors are responsible for all licensing and permits required by law to sell or promote their products.
· All items must be sold under license and in accordance with all state, local and federal laws, rules, and regulations regarding the production, handling and selling of the items.
· Members must submit photocopies of all inspection forms, licenses, and other necessary documents with their yearly membership application.
· Products must be labeled, when required, in accordance with the Ohio Department of Agriculture guidelines.
· Products labeled organic must be certified by an accredited organization according to the rules of the National Organic Program.
· Advertising products as organic must be accompanied by written evidence of organic certification.
Definitions:
· Vendor means an individual, or business, who is a member of the Medina County Farmers Market who has agreed to these rules and paid the applicable fees for participation in one or more Market days.
· Producer signifies an individual or business that sells items that they themselves have grown, produced, baked or crafted.
Acceptance and Space Assignments:
· The MCFM will aim to balance the needs of the Market (supplying customers with a complete and competitive selection of produce available in season) with the needs of vendors without overloading the Market with particular products.
· Each vendor will be allotted one space with 12’ of frontage on the sidewalk. Vendors are encouraged to set up their table 3’ feet from the sidewalk if possible, to allow greater customer access.
· Space assignments will be made at the discretion of the Market Manager based upon vendor preference as well as the good of the Market. Preference for space assignments will be given to vendors who have committed, and paid, for the entire season.
· Space Assignments: In 2014, only vendors who complete an application, submit payment for all 22 dates and are accepted by the committee or Market Manager, will receive an assigned space for the season. Due to the increased popularity of MCFM, the number of spaces at the Market is limited. The committee will determine the specific space assigned to a specific vendor. The committee will attempt to maintain a balance among farm produce/products, cottage foods, baked goods and crafts. However, the preference and intent of the committee is to have farm vendors selling fruits and vegetables, at least 60% of which are grown on their own farm. The additional 40% must be locally grown. “Locally” grown produce is defined as that grown by the principal farmer/producer in Medina County or within a 50 mile radius of the Square.
· Any potential vendor who has submitted funds and is not accepted into the Market will be refunded their money.
· The MCFMC will no longer accept walk-up vendors on any Market Saturday.
Vendor Rules:
Arrival, Setup, Departure
· Vendors are to park only in the area specified by the Market Manager.
· Vendors with assigned spaces shall occupy only those spaces.
· Vendors shall arrive no later than ½ hour prior to the opening of the Market and be completely set up by the start of the Market. Latecomers may be denied admission at the Market Manager’s discretion.
· Vendors must contact the Market Manager ASAP by phone if they are running late or unable to attend the Market at (330) 461-6211.
· Prior to commencing sales, Market prices for all items must be visibly posted. All vendors must display a sign identifying their farm and location.
· Each vendor shall provide the necessary tents, tables, and other equipment for their displays.
· Tents must be secured with weights. Stakes are not permitted.
· Vendors are responsible for maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of their assigned space and displays, and must completely clean up at the end of the Market.
· Vendors are required to stay until close of the Market (rain, snow, or shine!). Vendors who sell out early should post a sign letting customers know they have sold out.
Products and sales:
· Vendors must be the producer of products sold. Any exceptions to this rule will be made at the discretion of the Medina County Farmers Market Committee or Market Manager with the good of the Market in mind.
· Selling of dairy products, eggs, meats, canned goods, and other processed or potentially hazardous products must meet all legal requirements.
· Vendors must comply with all laws, ordinances, and regulations of the United States, State of Ohio, Medina County and the City of Medina. Vendors must obtain all licenses or certifications so required, and these must be displayed at the Market.
· Farmers: At least 60% produce/products sold must be grown/produced by the principal farmer/producer on his/her property. Only those items listed on the application may be sold. The farmer must notify the Market committee in writing of any proposed changes prior to bringing previously unlisted items to the Market. Produce and fruit may be supplemented up to 40% from neighboring farms within the defined “local” area.
· Organic Certification: Vendors using the term “Organic” in reference to their products must provide a copy of their certification with their application and post a copy of this certification at their stand on Market day. Proof of exemption eligibility relating to sales volume must be provided to the Market Manager.
· Cottage Foods Purveyors/Bakers: All Products must be locally home produced or locally produced in a commercial kitchen operated by the vendor (may be rented on a per use basis). We strongly encourage the use of local ingredients whenever possible. Vendors who do will be given preference in space assignments. There is no consignment or resale permitted. Check with the Medina County Health Department as to labeling standards and licensing requirements.
· Artists/Craft Purveyors: You must be locally creating hand-made or artisan items with significant value added. There is no consignment or resale permitted. Farm and homestead themes are preferred.
· The Market Manager has discretion to allow entertainment, informational, and advocacy activities, but such activities must not obstruct customer aisles or occupy stalls needed for selling by Market vendors. At each Market, one stall will be reserved for such activities. Vendors may use their own stall for advocacy or informational displays as approved by the MCFMC or the Market Manager.
Courtesy/Conduct:
· Smoking is not allowed at the Market.
· Vendors are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous and safe manner.
Market Manager
· It is the Market Manager’s responsibility to implement Market policies. The manager will be responsible for public concerns and vendor complaints.
· It is the Market Manager’s responsibility to assure all vendors maintain a level of quality that supports and benefits the Market’s reputation. The manager can suspend those vendors lacking in quality.
Enforcement of Rules:
· Vendors who suspect that another vendor is violating any Market rules should report the matter to the Market Manager. Vendors should not attempt to address violations themselves.
· The Market Manager has complete authority to interpret and implement policy on the Market site. The Market Manager also has the authority to use his/her best judgment in the absence of a specific policy, up to and including suspension from the Market, provided that such action shall not be in conflict with the general mission and objective of the Market.
· If for any reason a vendor wishes to appeal a decision made by the Market Manager and no reasonable solution can be reached, a meeting of the MCFMC will be called to decide the issue.
Indemnification:
All Market Members participating in MCFM agree that they are independent contractors and not employees, partners or joint ventures with MCFM, and shall be individually and severally liable for any loss, personal injury, deaths, and/or any other damages that may occur as a result of the Market Member’s negligence or that of its employees, agents, or associates. All Market Members agree to indemnify and save MCFM, its MCFM Committee, its sponsors, Main Street Medina, Medina County and the City of Medina harmless from any loss, costs, damages, and other expenses including attorney’s fees, suffered or incurred by them by reason of the Market Member’s negligence or intentional misconduct, or that of its employees, agents, and associates; provided that, the Market Member shall not be liable for nor required to indemnify MCFM or the MCFM Committee for the negligence of any of them or that of their servants, agents, employees, or associates.
Insurance:
· It is strongly recommended that each Market Member carry his/her own personal and product liability insurance.
· Furthermore, vehicle liability insurance is required to cover any damage caused.
Medina County Farmers Market Agreement:
By signing this form, applicants acknowledge that they have received and read the Medina County Farmers Market (MCFM) Rules and Regulations, and agree to abide by the policies and procedures described therein, including all decisions of the MCFM and MCFM Committee. Applicants specifically agree that a MCFM representative is permitted to visit their farm or production facility.
Applicants also acknowledge that the discretion of the MCFM Committee and /or Market Manager applies to acceptance to the MCFM and booth assignments. This agreement is a revocable license, and any misconduct or violation of this agreement may result in suspension or termination from MCFM at the discretion of the MCFM Committee and or Market Manager.
Acceptance to MCFM also means a commitment to the Market Members on the part of MCFM. MCFM will strive to promote the success of both the Market and Market Members, to ensure a quality experience for the Market Members, and to provide general support for all Market Members.
Compliance:
· Vendors not willing or able to comply with Market rules and regulations will be disciplined by the Market Manager as follows:
a) One verbal warning
b) One written warning and the vendor will be asked to leave the Market for the remainder of that day.
· If the rule is broken a third time or multiple rules are broken in a single occurrence the vendor will not be permitted to continue selling at the Market and will forfeit any paid fees.
· Vendor's signature on the application form indicates that they have read, fully understand, and agree with all of the rules stated above.
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