The Farmhouse Market Co.

Farmer’s Market Rules

Market rules must be read and acknowledged via the attached vendor form before vendors attend any market.

The event will last from 10 am- 1pm. Vendors must be set up & ready to sell no later than 15 minutes before market opens. No driving within market boundaries is permitted 30 minutes before market opens and until the close of market. Vendors may not break down before end of market even in the event the vendor has sold out. Tables, signage, tablecloth etc. must remain set up in booth space until end of market. Vendors must break down promptly at market close. Setup will begin at 9 am. Spots will be assigned by The Farmhouse Market, and will be rotated monthly to make it fair for all vendors. We will try our best not put two similar vendors by each other.

Vendors will be responsible for bringing whatever they need to set up. (Tents, tables, etc) Electricity will not be provided. Because the event is held in an outdoor space, it is the responsibility of the vendor to be prepared for all types of weather and outdoor occurrences including cover for rain or sun, weights for winds, insects, and any other issues that may arise. In the event that the market is cancelled due to the weather, vendors will be offered a refund of their vendor fee or the opportunity to apply it to the following month’s market only. Vendors will not be refunded for their vendor fee if they cancel.

Vendors are responsible for having any licenses and/or permits that your product requires you to have, such as Food Handler Certification, etc. 

It is recommended that you bring a copy of any and all permits and/or licenses to any event you attend as you may be subject to random inspections from the Fort Bend County Health Department. All food vendors must comply with Federal, State, and Fort Bend County Health Department rules. Health Department violations must be corrected before a vendor is allowed to set up on next market date.

Existing vendors are not guaranteed a continued space and may be removed as a vendor at any time, at the Director’s discretion.

All items must be handmade, homemade and homegrown. All items sold at market must be grown/prepared by the vendor. Reselling will not be allowed.

Laws, regulations, and rules put forth by the federal, state, city, or county government must be followed by all vendors.

Vendors renting equipment must be responsible for the equipment throughout the market. Any damages to the equipment will be the responsibility of the vendor to pay to repair or replace.

Smoking is not permitted in market territory. Vendors must leave market boundaries so that smoke does not reach shoppers or other vendors. Cigarette butts must be properly disposed of in safe containers and removed by vendor.

Vendors must maintain their space and embrace the  “leave it better than you found it” mantra. Please do not leave trash or any items behind. Vendors must completely clean their booth space at the end of market. Vendors who provide samples or prepared food must provide trash receptacles at their booth.

The Farmhouse Market Co. or any Farmhouse Market Co. staff member is not responsible for accidents, product liability, fines, penalties or the paying of sales taxes for individual vendors.

All food vendors must comply with Federal, State, and Fort Bend County Health Department rules.

Should any issues arise, The Farmhouse Market Co. will make every effort to reach a resolution. At market, Market Directors are the first step in resolving issues. Please locate a Market Director and discretely inform them of the issue at hand. Market Coordinators may be able to resolve the issue immediately, or they may choose to gather information for further consideration. Vendors must abide by the final decision of the Market Director.

What Can You Sell at a Farmers’ Market?

Can you sell yard eggs at a Farmers’ Market?
Yes. To sell farm eggs at a farmers’ market the following is required: 

You must have a temporary food establishment license; and 
Eggs must be maintained at an ambient air temperature of 45°F and below
Egg cartons must be labeled with “ungraded” followed by “Produced by (producer’s name)” and bearing the producer’s address in legible printed boldface type, along with safe handling instructions.
Can you sell honey at a Farmers’ Market?
Yes. Honey may be sold at a farmer’s market.

Beekeepers that sell raw honey produced from their own bees/hives are “farms” and are exempt from licensing as food manufacturers when engaged in allowable farm activities. 

Can you sell beef or poultry at a Farmers’ Market?
Yes. Meat or poultry products must come from animals processed in compliance with the regulations for livestock processing (Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 433).  A temporary food establishment permit is required.

Can you sell fish and other aquatic species at a Farmers’ Market?
Yes. Commercial fishermen must possess a license from the TPWD or the fish and other cultured species must be produced and raised in a facility that has an aquaculture license from TDA.  A temporary food establishment permit is required.

Can a cottage food production operation sell food at a Farmers’ Market?
Yes. Foods produced at a cottage food production operation may be sold at farmers’ markets. The CFPO must comply with the guidelines as required in the law concerning Cottage Food Production Operations.

 The label information shall include:

(A) the name and physical address of the cottage food production operation;

(B) the common or usual name of the product;

(C) disclosure of any major food allergens, such as eggs, nuts, soy, peanuts, milk, wheat, fish, or shellfish used in the product; and

(D) the following statement: “This food is made in a home kitchen and is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department.”

(2) Labels must be legible.

Can raw milk be sold at a Farmers’ Market?
No. Per HSC 437.020(e), raw milk cannot be sold nor samples of raw milk provided at a farmers’ market.

Can you provide/distribute samples at a Farmers’ Market?
Yes.  TX Health and Safety Code, Chapter 437.020 outlines the regulation of samples at a farmers’ market. In general, the following applies:

Distribute the samples in a sanitary manner;
Have potable water available;
Wash any produce intended for sampling with potable water to remove any visible dirt or contamination;
When preparing the samples, either wear clean, disposable plastic gloves or observe proper hand washing techniques immediately before preparation;
Use smooth, nonabsorbent, and easily cleaned (i.e. metal or plastic) utensils and cutting surfaces for cutting samples, or use disposable utensils and cutting surfaces; and
Samples of cut produce and other potentially hazardous foods shall be maintained at a temperature of 41°F or below and discarded within two hours after cutting or preparation.
 

What is a sample?
A sample is defined as a bite size portion, not a full serving.

Please complete the following information and submit your payment below to reserve your space. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at howdy@thefarmhousemarketco.com or through Facebook or Instagram @thefarmhousemarketco

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