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1. Purpose, Definitions, General Requirements:

Bronzeville Growers Market (BGM@MPACC) supports the goal of building a sustainable local food system. Our theme: Sharing the Wealth refers to the wealth of the land and the community. BGM@MPACC reserves space for Ohio farmers/growers, as well as cottage food operations and small processors that source ingredients locally. The market encourages the following: developing and niche farmers; farmers/urban gardeners practicing organic farming methods and season extension; producers that source locally; community gardens and producers eager to educate consumers about their products. Preference will be given to those that are certified organic or willing to become so within the upcoming growing year. BGM@MPACC is producer-only, and all rules are in place to ensure the integrity of products sold at the market. Re-sale of products by farmers/growers or producers is strictly prohibited. Verbal or written declaration of organic status, not certified as required, will result in suspension or termination from the Market.

• What Can Be Sold: Farmers/growers are to sell what they produce. Products sold at the market must be grown or produced in Ohio by the applicant, including farm grown produce, baked goods, consumable goods and flowers (including plants, herbs, honey, preserves and flower baskets). Homemade products should source their components locally, if possible. All products are subject to approval. Processed foods must meet all state and local regulations. 
  • Vendors may request approval to bring produce from a neighboring farm. If selling a neighbor’s produce, items must be clearly identified as such on the application as well as at the market stand and must represent less than 25% of the vendor’s products. Prior approval must be obtained before any sales. BGM@MPACC organizers reserve the right to visit participating producers’ farms/cottage food operations to validate accuracy of information submitted on application. Site visits will be announced with 24 to 48-hours notice.
  • In no case may any farm or community garden, seasonal or otherwise, re-sell produce at the Bronzeville Growers Market that was purchased at wholesale. This is strictly prohibited and any vendor deemed to be selling products purchased for resale at the BGM@MPACC will be required to leave the Market.
  • Value Added Food Producer: makes jellies and jams, preserves, syrups, salsas, flavored oils, vinegars, pickles, fermented products, and dried products using produce grown by a farmer, rancher or grower in the region. An example would be a Soap Maker: handcrafts soaps and/or other health-care products from scratch using ingredients from the Central Ohio region.

• Farmers/Growers are those actively involved in managing the planting, growing, and harvesting of agricultural product on their own or rented land. All produce/plants must be grown in Ohio by the applicant.
• Produce, plants and products sold at the market must be grown or produced by the principal farmer/producer/grower (referred to as “Farmer” “Grower” “Vendor” or “Producer”) according to items listed on the Application form. Please be as specific as possible. Growers must notify BGM@MPACC in writing of any changes to this product list.
• Cottage Food Operations/Small Processors are those involved in the processing of farm foods, value-added processed foods, and cottage foods. All products must be made in Ohio by the applicant and comply with Chapter 901:3-20 of the Ohio Administrative Code.
• Community Table: Space will be available for educational activities relating to BGM@MPACC’s mission, as determined by the discretion of the organizers. Sales are not allowed at the community table however information on fundraising events may be distributed.

2. Criteria for Producer Acceptance:

• When reviewing applications for acceptance, BMG@MPACC considers completeness and accuracy of application materials submitted by the producer, product integrity and fit with the needs of the Market, including product mix and available space.
• All vendors will receive an e-mail notification stating whether they are approved or declined. If approved, booth assignment information will follow in a separate e-mail.

3. Stall Assignment Considerations:

• Stalls are assigned with respect to balance/variety of products at market, number of days producer requests to be at market, and timing of participation during the season.
• Assignments for the season and each week are made at the discretion of the Market to
  maximize space, promote diversity of product in the Market, and assure safety. The same
  location each week is not guaranteed.

4. Additional Product & Producer Guidelines:

• Insurance: BGM@MPACC is not responsible for any loss of damages incurred by the producers. All producers must maintain general liability insurance with limits of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) for general aggregate and products-comp/op agg. Producer’s business entity name on certificate of liability must match producer’s business entity name on application form Producer’s insurance agent must complete form with BGM@MPACC name and address listed as Certificate Holder, and send electronic copy of completed Certificate of Liability Insurance as an attachment directly to market manager at info@bronzevillegrowersmarket.com No handwritten information is allowed on certificate.
• EBT/WIC/CRC Senior Coupon Participation: To increase producer sales and provide access to BGM@MPACC for those with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (Ohio Direction Card or EBT), we encourage producers with eligible product to participate in the token, WIC FMNP, and CRC coupon programs. It is anticipated that market tokens will be exchanged by BGM@MPACC staff for EBT, credit and debit cards. (application pending)
• Complete the EBT enrollment form and submit with your application. (BGM@MPACC does not administer the Life Care Alliance Senior coupon programs, but producers are encouraged to enroll in these programs on their own. See information below under Contacts and Resources.)
  Once BGM@MPACC’s application is approved and process initiated, then reimbursement checks must be cashed within 90 days of the issue date. After 90 days, BGM@MPACC reserves the right to cancel the check.
• Products and Practices: Producers must submit a list of all products they wish to sell at BGM@MPACC with their application. For cottage food operations/processors, BGM@MPACC requires a complete listing of products and sourcing of ingredients. BGM@MPACC will include this information in stall signs and market promotional material for patron information and education as appropriate.
• All applicants must submit a complete product list. Only approved items on that list may be sold at the market. Items that are not pre-approved may not be sold at the market. If items not pre-approved are found being sold during routine vendor visits it will be cause for suspension/termination from the market. If there is a product you grow or sell that is not represented on the list, please contact: info@bronzevillegrowersmarket.com. While we cannot guarantee it will be approved we are always interested in new products that can be offered to the customers.

5. Labeling/ Licensing/Liability Requirements

• 1. BGM@MPACC is registered with the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture as a farmers’ market. Under Ohio law, a person at a registered farmers’ market is exempt from the
  requirement to be licensed as a retail food establishment so long as the person offers for sale:

. Fresh, unprocessed fruits or vegetables
. Properly labeled products of a cottage food production operation
. Maple syrup, sorghum or honey [properly labeled]
. Commercially repackaged food that is not potentially hazardous

• A Farmer or Producer who wishes to sell non-exempt products (for example: poultry, eggs, cheese, and meat) at BGM@MPACC needs to be verified as an approved source, meet all labeling requirements, and obtain any necessary license to sell retail from their local (county and/or city) health department.
• All cottage food products must be labeled according to the regulations of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. All processed foods and baked goods must be clearly labeled with ingredients. The label must include the words “homemade” or “cottage made.”
• Organic farmers are encouraged to display their certification. Farmers/growers may not sell under the organic name without state certification. (see Contacts and Resources)
• It is the Vendor’s responsibility to obtain all licenses and permits as well as to pay the fees required by local and state governments. This includes the vendor’s license for goods sold for which a sales tax must be collected.
• Vendors must comply with all laws, ordinances, and regulations of the United States, State of Ohio, and City of Columbus. Vendors are responsible for acquiring necessary licenses and must provide the market manager with copies of all documents such as licenses, certifications, and
  permits by first day of attendance at BGM@MPACC
  • Please Show Your Product Category on the Application Form
    ITEM
    Fresh Vegetables/Produce
    Cottage Foods – Bakery, Cakes, Cookies, Pies, Breads, Pretzels
    Fresh Herbs/Potted Herbs or Vegetables
    Fruits
    Potted Landscaping
    Dairy
    Plants/Cut Flowers
    Meat/Fish/Eggs
    Cottage Foods – Jams, Jellies, Items in a Jar
    Ready Made/Single Serving
    Cottage Foods – Dips, Rubs, Oils, Sauces, Pastas
    Health and Wellness
    Honey & Syrups
    Soaps/Lotions
    Pet Products/Dog Treats
    Other Homemade Products
    (explain)

6. Merchandising Displays/Set-up/Parking/Clean-Up

• Vendors will be assigned a marked space on our lot, or two spaces if assigned to a double. One vehicle is allowed for delivery of goods to the market, and may park in the lot opposite the Market. BGM@MPACC Market Manager is responsible for space assignments and enforcement of the Market rules. Spaces are 10’ x 6’, unless prior arrangements have been made with staff.
• Tables and stands used for sales, tents and tent weights are to be provided by the vendor. Vendor booths must not impede pedestrian traffic. No loud radios or shouting of prices.
• Vendors must have clear signage identifying their farm or business on their tables or hanging as a backdrop. These signs must not intrude into the pedestrian walkways.
• No vendor is permitted to bring an animal at any time into the Bronzeville Growers Market.
• Vendors are to keep to their assigned space. Please keep this space clean and neat and remove all garbage, product, containers, signs and any other items at the end of the day.

7. Staff at Market

• Those staffing a vendor’s stall must be the applicant, or employees or family members of the
  applicant who can knowledgeably speak about the life of the product(s) sold/culture of the
  farm/growing operation(s).
• Sharing of booths is sometimes permitted; those sharing must submit separate and complete
  applications.
• Disagreements with other growers, customers or the BGM@MPACC staff must be handled in a respectful manner. Failure to adhere to these principles may result in a suspension or termination of all privileges to sell at the Market.

8. Pricing/ Weights & Measures

• Vendors are to set their own prices, but must display them clearly in writing.
• Producers must adhere to the guidelines for the sale of produce provided by the City of Columbus, Division of Weights and Measures. If you use a scale, it must bear a current seal of inspection from that office. It you sell a product on which sales tax is collected, you are responsible for obtaining a vendor’s license. (see Contacts and Resources)
• Market sales must be certified through the City of Columbus, Department of Public Safety Sealer of Weights and Measures, 614.645.7397 or http://publicsafety.columbus.gov (Support Services/Weights and Measures) and must bear a current seal of inspection.

9. All Alcohol, Tobacco Products and Firearms Are Absolutely Prohibited from sale or use on the premises.

10. Samples Display and Hygiene

• Samples are strictly prohibited due to COVID-19
• Vendors are encouraged to use environmentally-responsible packaging

11. Sale Times

• BGM@MPACC will open at 3 p.m. with every Market Vendor expected to be ready to do business. Every Vendor is expected to be completely unloaded and fully operational by 2:45.
• Vendors are expected to maintain a presence at the market until 6 p.m. If a Vendor sells out before 6 p.m., that Vendor, as a person(s), does not have to physically staff their sold-out space, but the tent, signage, and a table need to remain until 6 p.m. Vendors are encouraged to remain in their space to engage with the customers about their products.

12. Vendor Setup & Breakdown

Vendors must clean their areas, including the parking lot surface (remove all produce, containers, signs, toothpicks, castaways, and trash) before they leave. All spaces should look the same or better than the way you found it. Large cardboard boxes and other oversize material may not fit in the trash receptacles provided and should be taken away by the vendor. Do NOT leave on the ground beside the trash bin(s).

13. BGM@MPACC Obligations, Noncompliance:

• BGM@MPACC provides the following: signage; weekly customer activities such as live music, tastings, cooking and educational demos; special promotional events; bi-weekly customer updates via online newsletter and Facebook; publicity and advertising; farm visits to monitor good growing practices; periodic customer surveys; and end-of-season producer survey.
• While BGM@MPACC works to create a safe environment for all, we are not responsible for any accidents that may occur at the Market. With acceptance into the Market, every producer
  agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Market, and any individuals associated with the
  operation of the Market, from any and all claims.
• BGM@MPACC reserves the right to include appropriate producer items in the Market that meet the Market’s intent, and to restrict the sale of items that do not meet the spirit of the Market’s intent. Items that are already offered by other producers may be restricted in the interest of maintaining diversity.
• A producer’s failure to comply with market guidelines may result in dismissal from the Market.
• Three absences (or failure to notify market manager of absence), may lead to loss of designated space or expulsion from the market.
• Non-market vendors may not set up within the boundaries of the Market.

14. Market Day Logistics:

• For fairness and safety, sales are NOT permitted prior to the start of the Market (3:00 PM) or beyond 6:00 PM.
• The market manager is on site at least one hour prior to the Market’s start time on. Vendor set-up time begins 60 minutes prior to Market start time and must be complete 15 minutes prior to start time (2:45 PM). Due to safety issues, any producer not set up in a timely fashion may be refused participation that day. Three or more late arrivals may lead to loss of designated space or expulsion from the market.
• Vendors should have enough product to sustain sales throughout the Market. No one is to break down prior to close of the Market at 6:00 PM.
• Vendors unable to be at market as planned must give the market manager 48-hours notice.
• Vendors must stay within their allotted space(s) while selling. All market produce on display should be of high quality. Any products at the market not currently on display must be kept a minimum of 12” off the ground for safety purposes.
• 6. Pricing of products is the responsibility of the individual vendor and should reflect fair market value. All prices must be clearly posted. BGM@MPACC discourages dropping prices toward the end of the Market or providing products for free or below-cost so as not to undercut sales of other producers. Aggressive sales techniques are not permitted. BGM@MPACC reserves the right to remove any deteriorated produce.

15. Organic Farmer Program:

BGM@MPACC is dedicated to supporting and furthering the progression of sustainable agriculture. To that end, the market is offering information on resources to meet those objectives (also see the Bronzeville Growers Market - Facebook page). This is to help incubate and support certified organic growers, and to increase the supply of organic food at the market. Please see the list of Contacts and Resources (especially OEFFA) for additional information.

16. Contacts and Resources:

• Clintonville Farmers’ Market: www.clintonvillefarmersmarket.org 
• Ohio Proud: www.ohioproud.com 
• Division of Weights & Measures: 614-525-7380; 240 Greenlawn Ave, Columbus, OH 43223
• Vendor’s License: Franklin County Auditor’s Office: 614-525-3260; 373 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
• Columbus Health Department: Food Safety 614-645-8191; 240 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
• Franklin County Public Health Food Safety Program: http://www.myfcph.org/food.php#faq
• Ohio Dept of Agriculture: Food Safety/Cottage Industry www.agri.ohio.gov/FoodSafety ; 614-728-6250; foodsafety@agri.ohio.gov 
• Food Safety Modernization Act information: http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ 
• WIC: www.odh.ohio.gob/odhprograms/ns/wicn/wic1.aspx 
• Seniors Coupons: http://aging.ohio.gob/services/seniorfarmersmarketnutritionprogram/  
• OEFFA: www.oeffa.org  
• Innovative Farmers of Ohio: www.ifoh.org
• Cottage Foods: www.agri.ohio.gob/divs/foodsafety/docs/Cottage_Food_Rules_Final6-09.pdf 
• Info on selling at markets: www.growingformarket.com/categories/SellingAtFarmersMarkets  
• Biodegradable service ware: http://www.ecoproducts.com/ 

17. Market Insurance Requirements

Maroon Arts Group - Bronzeville Growers Market is not responsible for any loss or damage incurred by producers or vendors. Along with the signed Vendor Agreement all vendors must provide a Certificate of Insurance Coverage showing Maroon Arts Group as Certificate Holder. The Insurance must be provided by an AM Best A rated insurance carrier and a sixty day notice of cancellation must be extended.

The Insurance required is outlined below.

• Insurance coverage for Farmer or Producers. All Certificates must include the following:
• Farm Liability Coverage including Products Coverage (Products Coverage must extend to all produce sold): $1,000,000 per occurrence
  Location: Premises coverage at 925 Mt Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
  Comprehensive Auto Liability Coverage: $1,000,000 per accident
• All interested vendors, seasonal or day lease, must acknowledge this Application, sign and date the attached Vendor Agreement (BGM@MPACC will dictate the term). Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis.

Questions Accepted By Email

info@bronzevillegrowersmarket.com

Accepted vendors will be notified by email, at which point they must submit copies of all licenses, permits and certifications and copy of liability insurance.

In line with Responsible RestartOhio and guidelines set forth by the State of Ohio, Bronzeville Growers Market (BGM) will comply with the following mandatory regulations:

Ø  Designate six-foot distances between people

Ø  Require space between vendor stands of at least 6 feet.

Ø  Require vendors, employees and volunteers to wear a cloth face covering

Ø  Hand sanitizer and sanitizing products are to be readily available for employees and customers

Ø  Separate operating hours for vulnerable populations

Ø  Online and remote access; post online whether a facility is open and how best to reach the facility and continue services by phone or remotely

Ø  Limit crowds by staggering entry to provide for social distancing of customers.

Ø  Discontinue self-service food stations, product samples

 In addition, BGM will require that vendors observe the following:

·         Limit the sale of food to whole, uncut produce and packaged food items. No on-site food preparation will be allowed.

·         All ready-to-eat foods must be pre-packaged before arriving at market.

·         Cancel all extracurricular activities including music, children’s activities, cooking demos, etc.

·         Group like items together (ie. all produce, all bread and baked goods, etc.) to reduce the amount of time searching the market for particular products.

·         Promote alternative sales outlets and methods such as online ordering and delivery, pre-order for pick up, etc.  

·         Observe the designated entrance and exit so that the market one directional

Due to the uniqueness of this situation,  BGM will require that vendors observe the following:

·         Sick employees, volunteers and vendors must stay home and not return until they are free of fever for at least 72 hours without fever-reducing medication and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) and, at least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. 

·         Those who appear to be ill upon arrival to market or become sick during the day should be sent home immediately. Published on May 25, 2020 

·         Clean your hands frequently, ideally between each customer transaction. Follow CDC recommendations for cleaning your hands. 

·         Designate one person to handle food and another person to handle payment transactions when possible. 

Vendor policies for the stands:

·         All vendors must sanitize their stands regularly, primarily wiping down tables, terminals, cash boxes, etc. Familiarize yourself with the CDC Guidelines to clean and disinfect surfaces. Please see the CFSA’s Guide to When to Clean, Sanitize, or Disinfect

·         Discontinue use of tablecloths and other porous materials such as baskets. Recommend using only materials that can be immediately washed and sanitized after use.

·         Add an empty table to the front of vendor’s tent to assist with 6 foot distancing.

·         Clean your hands frequently, ideally between each customer transaction. Follow CDC recommendations for cleaning your hands.

·         Use only new bags (plastic, paper, etc.) for the packaging and sale of goods.

·         Promote alternative sales outlets and methods such as online ordering and delivery, pre-order for pick up, etc.

·         Consider purchasing a contactless chip reader to process customer sales.

·         If accepting cash, consider selling items at whole dollar amounts to reduce the exchange of currency and use of coins.

Specific guidelines for customers:

·         Encourage shoppers to prioritize only essential food purchasing and discontinue social gatherings.

·         If space is limited, encourage shoppers to send only one adult per household to the market in order to curtail crowds.

·         Discourage shoppers from touching products they do not intend to purchase.

·         Discontinue use of reusable bags and materials at this time.

·         When possible, order directly from farmers and food producers for delivery or pick-up.

Please note that as the conditions change with respect to COVID 19 and the state issues new guidelines, BGM will respond accordingly. We are pleased to be able to offer this service at this time and do hope that you will support us accordingly. All notices will be posted for full viewing by the public.