2024 RIDGWAY FARMERS MARKET RULES
The Ridgway Farmers Market was created to provide a cooperative and organized alternative for small scale agricultural and specialty products. We promote local production of agricultural and specialty products and offer opportunities for producers to enhance their market skills. We strive to improve the variety, taste, and freshness of products available to customers in our area and community.
We promote strong trusting relationships between consumers and vendors by insisting on honesty and transparency in all aspects of the creation of the products. We create a space for interaction between the consumer and the producer. We believe that there are inherent benefits for the consumer, producer, and community when food is grown, purchased, and consumed locally. We enhance the quality of life in our area by providing a community activity that promotes a wholesome, social gathering place.
To keep the market growing, vendors are encouraged to have a good selection of products and a good range of prices so all our customers can participate in the market, no matter what their income. The goal of the market is for everyone in the community to shop and buy fresh vegetables and fruit each week. We do not want to price anyone out of the market.
The Ridgway Farmers Market Manager, with the support of the Board of Directors, shall enforce these Rules and Regulations. The Market Manager and Board of Directors will interpret these regulations per what is in the best interest of the market and reserves the right to expel any vendor from the market who does not comply.
Overview
These rules and regulations may be revised or amended by the Board of Directors at any time with or without notice to vendors.
In addition to the following rules and regulations, all vendors agree to abide by all city, county, state, and federal laws and regulations and the By-Laws of the Ridgway Farmers Market.
The Ridgway Farmers Market reserves the right to deny or accept any application; the market reserves the right to prohibit anyone from selling at the market and to cancel the privilege of any vendor who, in the opinion of the Market Manager or Board of Directors, has violated the rules governing the market. The participant or vendor has the right to respond in writing to the Board of Directors with an explanation of how the violations in question will be remedied. The Board of Directors reserves the right to make a final decision on the response. Fees will not be refunded if expelled. A participant or vendor wishing to return to the market the following year after expulsions must apply to the Board of Directors for re-admittance.
Dates and Hours
The market will open on Friday, May 24, 2024.
The market will be open every Friday thereafter through the second Friday in October (weather permitting). The week of the Ridgway Rendezvous in August, the market will be held on Thursday at the same time.
The hours of the market are from 10AM to 2PM.
The market manager will give the signal for the start of the market.
Vendors are required to remain setup for the entire length of the market.
Early Sales
Early sales are permitted at the vendors discretion.
Market Weather Policy
Recognizing that it is the mission of the Ridgway Farmers Market to provide a venue for farmers/growers and producers to sell their products, it is also our responsibility to ensure a safe and orderly market environment for vendors, visitors, and shoppers.
The Ridgway Farmers Market is a rain or shine market; however, certain weather conditions (high winds, severe thunderstorms, lightning, etc.) may necessitate the official closure of the market (with or without prior notice) if it is determined that severe weather conditions could compromise the safety of vendors and shoppers. This closure will be at the Market Manager’s discretion.
With the threat of lightning, people in the Market will be asked to move to shelter or directed to their vehicles until lightning/thunder has passed.
The Market Manager may make decisions to alter market times based on weather reports and on-site market conditions. It is the authority of the Market Manager to close early or open a market late due to severe or inclement weather.
If the market is canceled due to severe weather, the Market Manager will make every attempt to notify vendors in a timely manner.
Membership and Dues
The vendor application is available online at: www.ridgwayfarmersmarket.com The market application for seasonal and daily vendors will be available to submit through the market website starting on February 1st, 2024. Applications will be reviewed starting on March 19th, 2024, and notification of acceptance or denial will be provided to applicants by March 29, 2024. An application is not considered complete until the application fee is paid online ($25 + 2 Processing Fee) and liability insurance and all other supporting documents have been turned in. Applications received after March 18th are subject to review based on availability.
All seasonal vendors are members of the market.
Seasonal vendor’s fees are determined annually by the Board of Directors.
All vendors must complete a vendor application and provide proof of liability insurance.
Vendor fees must be paid by April 19th, 2024.Market fees can be paid by cash, check, or credit card through the market website.
A seasonal vendor is entitled to one vote at all meetings if vendor fee has been paid.
Notice of meetings will be sent out to all seasonal vendors via email.
Vendors must live and produce within a radius of 100 miles (as the crow flies) from the market in order to be eligible to become vendors of the market. Vendors growing or producing products outside this area must be approved by the market manager or Board of Directors on an annual basis.
Daily Vendors
Daily vendors must submit an application and supporting documents including a Certificate of Insurance naming the RFM as an additional insured through the RFM website during the application period of February 1st - March 18th. All daily vendors will follow the same application guidelines and calendar as seasonal vendors.
Daily vendor fees must be paid by April 19th.
Daily vendor fees are non-refundable once paid. We are a rain or shine market.
Daily vendors may attend the market a maximum of seven (7) times during the market season.
Non-profit daily vendors are limited to one (1) per market.
Non-profit daily vendors may attend the market a maximum of three (3) times during the season.
Seniority
Members who had seasonal spaces the previous year will have the option to renew the same space for the next season.
Members holding seasonal spaces must notify the market manager of their intent to retain their space by the first annual membership meeting the following season or the guarantee of the space will be forfeited.
Market Breakdown by Vendor Type
The Ridgway Farmers Market aims to have approximately 50% food vendors and 50% craft/artist/other vendors for the ratio for each market day. This may vary with the market manager’s discretion. The market manager or the Board of Directors retains the right to determine which crafts are sustainable for sale at the market.
Seasonal corporate vendors are not allowed at the market; however, sponsorships are available that allow for daily corporate vendors.
Space Fees
Daily and/or seasonal space fees will be assessed at a fixed rate and determined annually.
Income generated from space fees will be used for advertising, insurance, and other expenses associated with the function of the market.
For the 2024 season, vendor fees paid by cash or check are:
Single Tent Space: $275
Double Tent Space: $525
Triple Tent Space: $775
Daily Vendor Fee: $50
Non-Profit Daily Vendor Fee: $10
Electricity: $60
For the 2024 season, vendor fees paid by credit/debit card through the market website are:
Single Tent Space: $285 ($275 + $10 Processing Fee)
Double Tent Space: $541 ($525 + $16 Processing Fee)
Triple Tent Space: $799 ($775 + $24 Processing Fee)
Daily Vendor Fee: $52 ($50 + $2 Processing Fee)
Non-Profit Daily Vendor Fee: $10
Electricity: $62 ($60 + $2 Processing Fee)
There will be a $25 application fee + $2 processing fee for all vendors, seasonal and daily.
Subletting or selling of space is strictly prohibited.
If a seasonal vendor has paid for their space for the entire season and is unable to attend, the vendor may apply for a refund before May 1st by contacting the market manager. There will be a $100 administrative fee deducted from the vendor fee. There will be no refunds given after May 1st unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Electricity Fees
There are a limited number of vendor spaces available that have electrical hook-up available. These are assigned on a first come basis.
Any vendor requiring electricity must supply their own cords and any other electrical equipment.
There is a $60 seasonal fee + $2 processing fee for electricity.
Space Assignment and Appearance
The market manager assigns spaces to vendors.
Vendors with space previously assigned that season may occupy their space upon arrival.
Assigned spaces not occupied 30 minutes prior to opening may be given to another vendor.
Each vendor must display a sign clearly identifying the business name and location of the business.
Signs must be in place by the opening bell.
Spaces will be approximately 10’ x 12’ feet.
Vendors can only set up within their designated space.
All products and signage must be placed inside of the assigned space.
Vendors are responsible for keeping their space clean and attractive during the market day.
Vendors must clean up their space after the market closes, including removing trash.
Canopies, Umbrellas, and Potential Hazards
Each vendor is responsible for making sure their selling space is safe. All canopies and umbrellas must be weighed or tied down with at least 40 pounds (i.e. a 5-gallon bucket or water or concrete blocks) at each corner.
Please be aware that we do have high winds on occasion.
Please check in and around your booth for potential hazards.
It is mandatory that each booth have someone in attendance at the booth to manage the booth at all times.
Dogs at Market
For personal safety and food safety, all dogs must be on a leash with the owner’s hands on the leash at all times. No exceptions.
If there is a violation of this rule, there will be a verbal warning for the first offense. If there is a second offense, there will be a $25 fine (to be collected by the Market Manager). If there is a third offense, the vendor will no longer be allowed to bring their dog to market. If they would like to bring their dog to market in future seasons this must be approved by the Board of Directors.
Public Policies
There is no smoking allowed in the market area by vendors or patrons.
All vendors must adhere to applicable Ouray County, Town of Ridgway, and State of Colorado ordinances as well as public health guidelines imposed by these entities or the Ridgway Farmers Market. Non-compliance is grounds for dismissal.
Grievance Policy
Any grievance regarding another vendor should be directed to the market manager in writing, clearly outlining grievance details. The market manager will handle the issue with the vendor in question. If the manager fails to settle the grievance, it should be directed to the Board of Directors for discussion.
A first infringement of the market rules will be handled by a verbal warning from the market manager.
A second infringement of the market rules will be handled by a written warning from the market manager.
In the case of a third infringement, the vendor will be asked to leave the market for the season and will not be refunded their vendor fee.
If the vendor wants to return the next season, they must apply to the Board of Directors for re-admittance, and the Board has the final say.
Market Manager
In accordance with market rules, the Market Manager has control over the market area, and any questions should be directed to the Market Manager.
The Market Manager will maintain order and cleanliness and will start the market and distribute pertinent information to the vendors.
It is at the discretion of the Market Manager to ask anyone to leave the market, vendor or customer.
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations wishing to appear at the market during market hours to fundraise, educate, and/or volunteer should apply to the market during the open application period of February 1 - March 19, 2024.
The weekly fee for non-profit vendors is $10.
Non-profit organizations must provide the market manager with their tax-exempt ID number as part of their market application.
Insurance rules apply to non-profit organizations.
Non-profit organizations must follow all other market rules and regulations, including those regarding signage and tent weights.
If a group is interested in selling food for a fundraiser, the items must comply with current food regulations and market guidelines.
Vendor’s Conduct
All vendors should provide a hygienic, family-friendly personal appearance to reflect positively on the market.
Vendors shall always conduct themselves in a pleasant and courteous manner.
Vendors shall avoid using unduly loud, vulgar, profane, or otherwise disagreeable language.
Any vendor in an intoxicated or altered condition will be asked to leave the market.
Vendors shall avoid belligerent action or actions that lead to or promote disputes, disagreements, altercations with other vendors, prospective customers, visitors, or other persons on the market premises.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by vendors during market hours.
Insurance
The market only carries liability insurance for the market area.
All vendors are required to carry general liability insurance and are required to provide to the market manager evidence of such coverage. A minimum of $1,000,000 coverage, listing Ridgway Farmers Market as additional insured, is required by each vendor.
Ridgway Farmers Market will be carrying general liability insurance for the Market in Hartwell Park; however, in the event any action or inaction of a vendor or a vendor’s agent or employee, which results in a claim under the Ridgway Farmers Market insurance, the vendor shall be required to pay the market’s deductible for any such claim in addition to any other legal remedy available to market.
Regulatory Rules / Taxes
Each vendor is responsible for their applicable sales tax and must turn in their payment envelope to the market manager by 2:30 PM, unless other arrangements have been made with the Market Manager.
Each vendor (that does not sell exempt products) must have a state sales tax license, and it must be displayed each week.
Packaging and Use of Plastic
The Ridgway Farmers Market prohibits the use of single-use, disposable plastic bags provided by a business to a customer at a point of sale for the purpose of transporting goods. A single use, disposable plastic bag is defined as one made from non-compostable plastic.
The Ridgway Farmers Market prohibits the use of single-use, disposable plastic sampling materials, plateware, cutlery, or other single-use plastic packaging materials used for RTE (ready-to-eat) hot or cold foods. This includes but is not limited to baked goods, snacks, RTE hot meals, and hot or cold drinks.
The Ridgway Farmers Market highly encourages the use of compostable or recyclable paper product packaging by vendors of all kinds. There are many compostable options available. For a list of sources, please contact the market manager.
Weights and Measures
If products are sold by weight, the scale must be certified by the State of Colorado and must have a current approved seal attached.
The use of non-certified scales is prohibited by the State of Colorado.
The owner must obtain a license each year to operate their device prior to its commercial use.
A copy of the vendor’s license for the scale used at the market should be provided to the market manager.
Organic Vendors
Any vendor selling their products as organic must have an organic certification from a qualified certifying agent.
The certification must be displayed in the vendor’s booth during the market day.
If a vendor does not have an organic certification, they may not use the word organic in their signage, logo, or other materials (i.e. “not organic but use organic practices”, “not organic but use organic methods”, etc.).
Food Samples
Each vendor must follow the appropriate Ouray County Health Department guidelines.
All produce MUST be washed prior to being sampled to the consumer (even whole, uncut produce).
Anyone preparing samples at market MUST provide their own handwashing setup at their booth unless otherwise approved by the Ouray County Health Department. Disposable gloves are encouraged.
Samples prepared at home must be prepared in a clean, sanitary manner that adheres to Colorado Cottage Food Act guidelines.
All disposable products used for packaging of samples must be biodegradable/compostable.
If a vendor has questions regarding the preparation and service of their samples they should contact the local food service inspector.
Processed Foods
All processed foods sold at the market must be manufactured in an approved facility or comply with the rules of the Colorado Cottage Foods Act.
Processed foods are foods that undergo slicing, dicing, cutting, chopping, cooking, mixing, grinding, smoking, drying, packaging, canning, or other procedures that alter the food from its original state. Examples of processed food are: mixed chopped greens and salsa.
Processed food must comply with federal and Colorado labeling and packaging regulations.
Raw agricultural products sold in their raw harvested state are not considered processed foods.
Vendors selling prepared or value added foods must provide proof of their commercial kitchen and Retail Food Establishment license or their compliance with the provisions of the Cottage Food Act.
A copy of the health department inspection certificate from the commissary kitchen or Colorado Cottage Food Act certification must be included with the application.
Potentially Hazardous Foods and Product Temperature
Potentially hazardous food is food which needs to be held at 41 degrees F or colder or 135 degrees F or hotter because it can support the rapid or progressive growth of bacteria. Food in this category must be prepared and served with a license from the Colorado Department of Health.
Examples of foods commonly sold at farmers’ markets that must be from a licensed kitchen include, but are not limited to, frozen or freshly baked pot pies, custard-based pies, and fresh apple cider.
Product Rules
All vendors must abide by applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding each product they sell.
It is the vendor’s responsibility to know the regulations.
Vendors must be willing to allow inspections of their operation by a market representative to ensure compliance of the rules of the market.
Vendors who are not willing to have a field inspection of stated point of origin should not apply for participation.
If items for sale are not found growing in the stated field of origin during an inspection, are not ready for harvest though the items are being sold, or are not grown in sufficient quantity to supply the volume brought to the market, the participant may be fined $100.00.
Fines must be paid in full before a participant can return to the Market.
If a second violation occurs, the vendor will no longer be allowed to sell at the market.
Defining Permissible Products
The following products may be sold at the market - vegetables, herbs, fruit, jellies, honey, baked goods, bedding plants, potted plants, dried flowers, eggs, retail-ready frozen meats, milk, personal care products, artwork, CBD, cheese, wine, and artisan goods.
Products not sanctioned above must receive market manager or board approval before sale.
Raw Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs
These items must be grown from cuttings grown by the vendor or from seeds or transplants and the final product may not be purchased or bartered for.
The vendor must have tended the perennial crops from leased, rented, or owned land for one growing season prior to the sale of the produce.
Processed products must be processed per local health regulations and with appropriate licensing.
Wild gathered materials may be sold with written permission of the landowner and the market manager.
Bedding Plants, Houseplants, and Herb Plants
Must be grown by the vendor from seeds, cuttings, or plugs.
Purchased plant materials must be grown on the vendor’s premises for at least 30 days before they can be offered for sale at the market.
Nursery Stock, Woody Stock, and Perennials
Must be grown by the vendor from purchased seedlings, cuttings or stock, or from seeds, transplants, or cuttings raised or taken by the vendor. Purchased stock must be grown on the vendors premises for at least 60 days before it can be offered for sale at the market.
Cut Flowers and Ornamentals
Must be grown and gathered by the producer on land that they own, rent, or lease.
Wild gathered materials may be used with written permission of the landowner and market manager approval.
Eggs
Must be produced by hens that have been raised by the vendor to 50 % of their production weight.
Must be candled, washed in a mild bleach solution, and air dried.
They must be labeled with producer name, address, phone number and date of collection.
Must be stored at all times between 33 to 41 degrees F.
A hard, easily cleaned cooler is an acceptable market storage container with a thermometer in it.
A state egg license is required and must be submitted to the market manager prior to selling eggs. Eggs may also be sold under the Colorado Cottage Food Act, but must follow all labeling requirements in accordance with this Act.
All products must be processed and stored per local regulations.
Honey
Must be produced by bees kept by the vendor.
Vendors must assure that all honey processed from outside vendors are processed from their bees.
Meats and Poultry
All items must be grown and/or processed by the vendor, no repackaging is allowed.
All stock held for sale shall have been raised by the vendor for at least 50% of their weight at processing/slaughter.
Meats must be processed in a USDA inspected facility.
Meat must be kept frozen always.
Poultry producers that sell less than 1000 birds per year are exempt from obtaining a state license, but must comply with record keeping and labeling requirements.
Meat must be kept either in a freezer or hard, easily cleaned cooler that will hold temperature.
Meat MUST be kept at 32 degrees or colder.
A thermometer must be kept in the cooler always.
A retail food license is required and must be submitted to the market manager before you sell at the market.
Dairy
Milk must be pasteurized to be sold to retail or wholesale customers in Colorado. Only Grade A pasteurized, ultra- pasteurized, or aseptically processed milk products may be sold to the consumer.
Milk must be kept in a hard, easily cleaned cooler that will hold temperature.
A thermometer must be kept in the cooler at all times.
Temperature must be taken and DOCUMENTED at set-up, teardown and every 2 hours in between.
Milk needs to be stored at 45 degrees or cooler.
All products that the manufacturer wishes to market are required to be from sources that have been inspected by the staff of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Division of Environmental Health and Sustainability.
Raw milk may be sold only through consumer purchased shares at the farm from which the milk is drawn, and ONLY through on-farm sales.
NO PICKUP of raw milk is allowed at the market.
Bakeries
A limited list of items called Cottage Foods may be prepared in a private home kitchen and sold for public consumption. (See Colorado Cottage Food Act for a list of eligible foods: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/cottage-foods-act#Eligible)
All other food items prepared for sale to consumers must be prepared in a licensed kitchen.
Commercial kitchens may be in a private home only if they are constructed to meet the requirements of the Colorado Retail Food Regulations and the kitchen is used for no other purpose.
The kitchen must be approved by the local health department or the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Artisans
Only Colorado-made, hand-crafted goods will be allowed.
Only handmade crafts designed and created by vendors or a member of the sellers’ immediate family may be considered.
Resale by artisan vendors is not permitted.
Reselling Restrictions
The market is restricted to those actively engaged in the production of accepted products, whether on a full or part-time basis.
All items displayed must be produced by the vendor, members of his or her family, or by his or her employees.
Pricing
Product pricing should be conducted in a manner that protects the overall stability and friendly competition at the market and gives all customers the opportunity to participate in the market regardless of their income.
Price fixing is strictly prohibited and not legal in Colorado.
Alcohol
All breweries, distilled beverage producers, and wineries must follow state guidelines.
Vendors who wish to sell alcohol must have approval from the Ridgway town manager.
Vendors also need a letter of approval from the market manager in order to sell alcohol at the Ridgway Farmers Market.
Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB)
The Ridgway Farmers Market is a participant in the Double Up Food Bucks program. All vendors who are eligible must participate in this program.
Any customer wishing to use DUFB must first visit the manager tent to have coupons issued for use at the Ridgway Farmers Market. The maximum number of DUFB allotted per day is $20 according to DUFB program rules.
The Market Manager will issue $1.00 DUFB coupons which can then be used for eligible food items only.
No sales taxes are collected, and no change can be given.
All DUFB coupons received by vendors will be turned into the RFM Treasurer when the vendor has a minimum of $15.00 in coupons. Vendors will be reimbursed for said coupons by check the following week. All DUFB coupons must be received by the last market.
W.I.C. Vouchers (Women, Infants and Children)
The Ridgway Farmers Market accepts W.I.C. vouchers.
Coupons can be used for fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, and eggs.
All W.I.C. coupons received by vendors will be turned in to the RFM Treasurer when the vendor has a minimum of $15.00 in coupons. Vendors will be reimbursed for said coupons by check the following week.
No sales tax is collected and no change can be given for W.I.C. vouchers.
All W.I.C. vouchers need to be received by the last market of the season.
SNAP Program
The Ridgway Farmers Market is set up for EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) for SNAP.
All vendors who are eligible must participate in the SNAP program.
Any customer wishing to use their EBT card should first visit the Market Manager tent. The Market Manager will then swipe the customer card and issue coupons for use at the Ridgway Farmers Market.
The Market Manager will issue $1.00 SNAP coupons which can then be used for eligible food items only. SNAP coupons can only be redeemed at the Ridgway Farmers Market.
No sales taxes are collected, and no change can be given.
All SNAP coupons received by vendors will be turned into the RFM Treasurer when the vendor has a minimum of $15.00 in coupons. Vendors will be reimbursed for said coupons by check the following week. All SNAP coupons must be received by the last market.
Revised February 2024