How to Sell at a Farmers Market
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Farmers markets are an important part of the Texan community. This is true for those who shop in them and for those who present their produce as well. It’s a place for the shoppers to get the produce they could be sure is healthy and sustainably grown, but it’s more than that – it’s about being part of the community.
One of such markets is the one in Dallas. It provides a chance for vendors of all kinds to showcase their work but it’s about more than that. It also features a variety of events and it’s the market everyone wants to join.
History
The history of farming in Dallas is obviously much longer than the history of this farmers market. The same could be said for the work the farmers did to connect and to create informal markets. However, when we think of Dallas Farmers Market the story starts in 1991 and the efforts of “Mama” Ida Papert.
She was a local legend who understood the efforts of growing your own healthy food within the community much before it was a standard it is now. This slowly led to the founding of the market.
Partners
A modern farmers market can’t work alone and DFM is a part of many farming and food related organizations which help its work and its growth and that give back to the community in which the market is based. These partners are private and nonprofit entities and they are bound by the common vision.
It includes: North Texas Food Bank, Grow North Texas, Go Texan, American Heart Association, Downtown Dallas inc, the City of Dallas itself, and Dallas Tourism Improvement District.
The market is also open for other partnerships if they are based on the same goals.
The Shed
The Shed is what this market calls its open air pavilion. This is a place to shop directly from the vendors that have their own farms. There are produce growers with seasonal and fresh produce available throughout the year. Food artisans, ranchers, and farmers are also working with the market and featured at the shed.
It’s a rotating staff and rotating list of vendors which means you get to know new farmers and find new produce every time you go to the market. The details are available on the market site.
How To Sell At The Shed?
There’s a four step process for applying to sell at the Shed. That’s because the farmers market has guidelines that you need to follow as a vendor that uses the services of the market. The steps go as follows:
Visit the market and talk to the staff. They will instruct you in how to apply
Read the Guiding principles for 2019 provided by the Farmer’s Market staff
Complete the registration online by using “Farm Spread”.
Pay the application fee of $50.
The application won’t be reviewed before you pay the fee.
Busker Application
The farmers market also features street performers, that can be musicians but there were also many other kinds of performance featured as well. It’s important to properly apply for this position as well since not everyone can be a busker without the proper application. There are six principles the buskers need to go by:
They must be over 18 years old
The performers are required to indemnify and keep indemnified.
The performers must remain in the area designated for performance
A suitable receptacle for the receipt of public donations can be placed within the performance area
DFM needs to approve the use of electronic amplifications.
DFM needs to approve the sale of the performers CDs.
The Night Wholesale Market
The Farmers Market organizes a night sales on Thursdays and Sundays. It’s also a much more laid back event where you can talk to farmers more and get to know how your produce is made There are less vendors during these events. You’ll need to apply for it separately.
The application is also made via Farmspread and you’ll need to set up your own account and keep the password you’ve chosen. The vendors also need to provide their phone number and there are additional fees. These are:
Produce dealer – $25 per space
Farmer (75% Grown) – $20 per space
Box Truck or Trailer – additional $15
Fork Lift – $175.00 per forklift per week (must be approved by market management)
Semi-Truck – additional $50
Discount – Farmers selling two days/week at The Shed – $10 per space.
Conclusion
Dallas Farmers Market is a staple of the community and it provides its services for almost 30 years now. If you’re a farmer or a vendor you should join in and use its infrastructure to help your business and to become more deeply rooted member of the Dallas Farming Community. It’s easy to do if you follow the guideless and the mission of the farm.
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