New Vendors

Thank you for your interest in joining the Santa Cruz Community Farmers’ Market (SCCFM).

Applications for new vendors are accepted from January 1- March 1. Applications must be submitted through managemymarket.com. Applications for selling are not considered outside of this window. There is a non-refundable $25 application fee to apply.

SCCFM’s policy is to give preference to producers and vendors whose practices support our mission. For agricultural producers, that means we select growers using sustainable practices and are certified organic. All products must be grown in California. For artisan food and prepared food vendors, we look for candidates that source from SCCFM growers or support producers that are certified organic. We prioritize local food businesses.

Although we do not want to discourage prospective vendors from applying, we would like applicants to have a realistic understanding of the availability of space at SCCFM’s markets. We receive a high volume of applications and many of our markets are currently full. Admission is based on many factors and available space is very limited.

Applicants will be notified through managemymarket.com when their application has been successfully submitted. Submission is not admission. SCCFM will notify applicants of the status of their application after the application window has closed. Do not contact SCCFM about your application once it has been submitted.

Please take the following information into consideration before submitting your application.

 

Farmers, Ranchers, Agricultural Vendors

For agricultural producers, all products must be grown in California, and if applicable we give preference to those who farm within Santa Cruz County and are certified organic.

Requirements for Membership:

  1. Current California Producers Certificate
  2. Product and General Liability Insurance with policy limits set to 1,000,000 products and 2,000,000 general aggregate. Insurance policies must name SCCFM as an additional insured.
  3. If applicable, please include any/all of the following:
    • State Organic Registration Certificate
    • 3rd party Organic Certification Agency (CCOF, QAI, MOCA, etc.)
    • Nursery Stock License (if applicable)
    • Health Department Permit (for any processed/value added foods)
    • Vintners need Bonded Type 2 License (for wine sales at Market)
    • Apiary (beekeeper) License
    • A copy of Farm Maps (County parcel map is best)
  1.  Photos of your stall space if you participate at other farmers markets.

 

Artisan Food & Prepared Food Vendors

Artisan Foods are any product that is processed/made by the vendor and is sold, not consumed in the market. For artisan food vendors, we prioritize those who use organic, regionally grown produce sourced from growers participating in our markets. We are currently focused on start-up food businesses that are based in Santa Cruz County and sell products that use ingredients sourced from SCCFM growers.

Prepared foods are any item that is cooked, prepared or served to eat at the market.  For prepared food vendors, we prioritize those who use organic, regionally grown produce and are sourcing from farmers participating in our markets. All food items, both prepackaged/artisan food and food for on site consumption, must be produced by the vendor. Preference is given to those who have at least two years’ experience in the restaurant/prepared food business. All food items sold at the market must be processed/served in accordance with Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Department’s in addition to any State or Federal rules related to the product (ie. meat,fermented products,seafood). We do not provide applications for food-related businesses that are not fully operational. Additionally, we do not give out applications to unregistered businesses.  All prepared food is subject to a blind tasting to assure product quality and appeal.

 

Requirements for Membership:

  1. Current Santa Cruz County Health Permit. If you are currently participating in farmers markets that are not in Santa Cruz County, you may submit your current county farmers market health permit for the application process. However, if you are approved to sell, you will be required to have a current Santa Cruz County Health Permit. Do not purchase a permit without first being approved to sell. You will spend unnecessary money.
  2. Product and General Liability Insurance with policy limits set to 1,000,000 for each occurrence and 2,000,000 for general aggregate. Insurance policies must name SCCFM as an “additional insured”.
  3. For certified organic food producers, current organic registration documentation.
  4. A copy of the certified kitchen lease you are currently using.
  5. A copy of business registration/license or C.A. sellers permit. Call State Board of Equalization 800-400-7115 for more information
  6. Photos of your stall space if you participate at other farmers markets.

 

Massage

SCCFM allows chair massage at two of our markets – Scotts Valley and Felton markets only, there is no space available for massage at Live Oak. We do not allow chiropractic or medically related work. All massage practitioners must have the following in order to participate:

1. General Liability Insurance with policy limits set to 1,000,000 products and 2,000,000 general aggregate. Insurance policies must name SCCFM as an additional insured.

2. Evidence of professional training for massage.

Space is available by scheduling with SCCFM. Email sccfmapplications@gmail.com with all of the required paperwork listed above and dates/markets you want to participate in. We will confirm available space. We ask you to not call to schedule.

Downtown /Westside Massage

SCCFM has an established massage booth that operates from April until the weather turns in November. The booth is operated by a group of massage therapist and is typically booked out for the season. There are a few openings to join from time to time, so if you are really interested, email us and we can pass your information on.

 

Crafts

All of our markets provide one booth space that allows for rotating craft vendors. Items that are allowed must have a “Home & Kitchen” theme. Examples include but are not limited to: glass & pottery, wood dishes, metal/fabricated items, cutting boards, spice racks, garden boxes, hand-made recipe cards, authors with cookbooks, fiber & textile shopping bags, tablecloths, pillowcases, aprons & hot pads. We will consider any vegetable, fruit and farm themed utilitarian or decorative art/craft. All products must be produced in Santa Cruz County by the person selling the item.

Inquire can be sent to: sccfmartisans@gmail.com

 

Soap

We allow soap to be sold at all of our markets. We provide one booth space only. Check the market opening section to see if there are openings.

Inquire can be sent to: sccfmartisans@gmail.com

 

Tabling/Non-Profit Groups

Limited tabling space is available at all SCCFM markets. Space is available on a first-come first-served basis and is not guaranteed. We do not require scheduling in advance and the space is provided free of charge. Groups tabling are only allowed to distribute information, print materials (including yard signs), etc. Nothing can be sold.

Groups are required to check in with the market manager to learn if space is available and where to set up. If there is no space, you can try the next week or another market.

Groups are not allowed to “roam the market” (ie: asking for signatures, approaching seated customers,etc) and must stay within 2ft of their table in the designated spaces determined by SCCFM management. Groups are also expected to be professional and respectful to customers, other groups tabling and SCCFM staff. Groups that do not follow SCCFM’s tabling rules and/or management will be asked to leave.

Standard rules for tabling at our farmers’ markets:

  • The space is designated for the dissemination of information ONLY. This includes print materials such as yard signs.
  • No products can be sold, sampled or given away.
  • Do not bring food for people to try.
  • Do not ask to borrow equipment, bring everything you’ll need.
  • Tents or Ez-Up’s are not allowed unless SCCFM has granted permission. Umbrellas for sun protection are acceptable. One table (six feet maximum) is permitted.

 

Qualified Groups

Non-Profits

Political Action groups, Local and State Government agencies, Municipal agencies

Churches

Local schools doing fundraising (raffle ticket sales are ok)

If you do not fit any of these categories, please contact us at info@santacruzfarmersmarket.org. Do not call.