We love that Farmers' Markets bring people together, and provide you the opportunity to make a living doing what you love.
Our Farmers' Markets are managed by an established team that has been successfully managing award-winning farmers' markets in the Bay Area for over 20 years.
Because of this, many of our markets are full, but from time to time new spaces open up due to a site expansion, new market day, vendor turnover, or other reasons.
Farmers (Certified Producers) can apply to be in markets any time. Other Non-Agricultural Food Purveyors can apply each year from January to March. Unfortunately an application is not a ticket into a market as space is limited.
To maintain the highest quality state-certified farmers' markets, California Farmers' Markets Association requires that all Certified Producers and Non-Agricultural Food Purveyors follow our Rules and Regulations.
CERTIFIED PRODUCER APPLICATION
APPLICATION PERIOD: YEAR ROUND
Submit to: applications@cafarmersmkts.com
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Learn more about the CDFA’s Certified Farmers’ Market Program here
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Check out the CDFA’s Direct Marketing Program website and create an account to access the application for a Certified Producer Certificate
NON AGRICULTURAL FOOD PURVEYOR
Application Period: Jan-March, annually. New Vendors will be added after the application process is closed on March 31, 2025. Submit application to applications@cafarmersmkts.com.
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Step 1: Develop a line of food.
All prepared foods must be juried before sales at the Market. Make sure your foods and their packaging are something you are proud to present!Step 2: Have a Commercial Kitchen, or locate one you can rent.
All Non-Agricultural products are required by law to be manufactured in a certified commercial kitchen.Step 3: Visit Markets you are interested in
Do your research to find which markets have the crowd and demographics that fit your product. Crowd count information is not available. It is best to go to the market as a customer for a few weeks to determine potential demand for your product.Step 4: Develop Food Safety Handling Plan
You and all of your employees must be trained and follow your food safety plan.Step 5: Submit a complete application to CFMA
Step 6: Acceptance into a Market
CFMA does not guarantee placement into specific markets. If you are accepted into a market which is not your first choice, CFMA looks forward to becoming acquainted with you at our other market locations. By establishing a relationship with California Farmers’ Markets Association, and providing a pleasant, responsible, and professional work experience your chance of being selected for a market of higher demand will increase. Then when there is an opening for your kind of product, your chance of being selected increases.Step 7: Buy Health Permits, and Supplies
Please do not obtain a health permit prior to this point. Health permits cannot be refunded. When you’ve been accepted into a market, you can safely make the investment into the necessary health permits and market equipment such as canopies, tables, safety devices, etc.Step 8: Come to Market
Sell your product and have fun!
Entertainer application
All Farmers’ Market entertainment, including musicians, face painters, balloon artists, and others may apply with the Entertainer/Musician Application. Email application to: cfmamusicians@gmail.com
artisan application
CFMA does not allocate space to arts and crafts in most of the markets.
The only exception is at the Morgan Hill Farmers’ Market. If you are interested in joining the Make it, Bake it, Grow it program in Morgan Hill, please complete an application to our office. You may request an application from the office.
All arts and crafts must be made by the person selling them.
There is absolutely no reselling at the farmers’ market.
Non profit application
As a member in your community, we are glad to host community groups related to farmers' markets, like the National Parks or Master Gardener Organizations. Local elected politicians can hold office hours at market.
If you would like to apply, please fill out this form and email to applications@cafarmersmkts.com a minimum of 2 weeks before requested participation date.
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For-profit businesses, political candidates, petitioners, fundraising, the sale or distribution of any food products.
Merchant at the market program
CFMA offers a “Merchant at the Market” program for local businesses at 3 of our markets: Antioch Farmers’ Market , Los Gatos Farmers’ Market and Saratoga Farmers’ Market . The purpose of the program is to offer nearby merchants a space to connect with the community and promote upcoming events or specials that highlight the importance of shopping local.
GUIDELINES: Applicants must be current members of their town’s Chamber of Commerce. Merchants must have a store front, no at home business, promotion only- no sales are permitted. Education about nutrition, good food, must be supervised.
Designated Free Speech Area- no solicitation* allowed. No equipment, no stakes, no audio enhancements.
*Solicitation refers to any oral or written request, offer or enticement, or action which indicates the availability to provide services for compensation or which seeks to purchase or secure services or goods; the purchase or sale of goods; a request for money or other property; or a contribution of money or other property.