GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE SHED VENDORS 2018 - Dallas Farmers Market
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2018 GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE SHED VENDORS 1
Table of Contents I. ABOUT THE MARKET ........................................................................................................... 3 II. VENDOR ELIGIBILITY ...................................................................................................... 4 III. APPLICATION PROCESS ................................................................................................... 4 IV. APPROVAL OF VENDORS AND PRODUCTS .................................................................. 5 V. VENDOR TYPES AND CATEGORIES................................................................................... 6 VI. VENDOR REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................... 6 VII. GENERAL VENDOR RULES .............................................................................................. 8 VIII. CONTACT INFORMATION .......................................................................................... 12 IX. COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES................................................................................. 13 X. ATTACHMENTS .................................................................................................................... 14 FEE SCHEDULE: ........................................................................................................................... 14 RESOURCES: ................................................................................................................................. 14 The Dallas Farmers Market (DFM) has set forth these Guiding Principles to govern the administration, operation and management of The Shed. In addition to these Guiding Principles contained herein, The DFM has a City of Dallas Farmers Market Permit regulated by Chapter 42A and Chapter 20A of the Dallas City Code of Ordinances. The DFM will implement and enforce all rules, and may change, delete or modify The Shed Guiding Principles at any time. The DFM reserves the right to refuse vendor space to, as well as suspend and/or expel, violators of these rules, and/or local state, or federal laws and/or laws and ordinances. 2
I. ABOUT THE MARKET WELCOME: The Dallas Farmers Market welcomes all applicants that meets the standards of the rules and regulations set forward for 2018. MISSION: The Dallas Farmers Market exists to cultivate a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for all of North Texas through the promotion, availability and appreciation for locally produced quality food. HISTORY: Once a humble horse-and-wagon wholesale business, the Dallas Farmers Market has grown with the city and turned into a farmers market for farm-direct vegetables, dairy and more. As Dallas began to flourish in the late 19th century, farmers came to sell in various locations around the city from their wagons. Soon, the intersection of South Pearl Expressway and Cadiz Street became the hub of a thriving farmers/ranchers street shop with produce, chickens, pigs, eggs and goats were all sold to the people of North Texas. As the city grew, so did the demand for farm-direct produce and meat. By 1941, the site was officially sanctioned as a municipally owned and operated market and the first shed was established. The Shed is that original shed. The City of Dallas entered an agreement with a private entity to manage the Dallas Farmers Market where the focus is to ensure fair and consistent management and clearly communicated processes to enhance the vendor and customer experience for a sustainable farmers market into the future. Continual improvements are a combination of increased diversity and uniqueness of vendors with a focus on producers, growers and makers. THE MARKET: In 2016, the Dallas Farmers Market opened The Market, the 26,000 sq. ft. artisanal food hall with shops and restaurants at 920 S Harwood Street. The Market is the newly renovated indoor shed 2 that was built in the early 90’s. These Rules and Regulations pertain only to The Shed outdoors. CBRE/UCR is the leasing company for The Market. THE SHED HOURS: Open rain or shine during dates and hours, however closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Friday 10am – 3pm Saturday 9am – 5pm Sunday 10am – 5pm 3
THE REGIONAL WHOLESALE MARKET: The historic ‘night market’ for farmers, growers and wholesale produce dealers to sell to the public, farm stands, restaurants, chefs, produce companies and schools/hospitals. This market is open rain or shine, however closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Open Sunday 9pm to Monday 9am and Thursday 9pm to Friday 9am. This is a separate farmers market choice when choosing a market at the end of the application process. A produce farmer can choose to sell both at the Dallas Farmers Market 2018 and the Regional Wholesale Market 2018. II. VENDOR ELIGIBILITY The Farmers Market shall be operated as a marketplace for “local farmers” and “farm merchants and vendors”. “Local farmer” means a person who makes or intends to make a substantial portion of his or her income from farming. A local farmer must have ownership or leasehold rights to the land being farmed during the entire growing season, from April 1st – August 31st or must have use rights pursuant to a government- sponsored or non-profit program whose purpose is to aid farmers in full-time farming endeavors. A local farmer must also possess all required permits and/or licenses. “Farm merchants and vendors” means those, other than local farmers, who grow, produce or resell farm products or who prepare, make or fabricate homemade or locally produced foods, beer, wine, clothing, art, sculpture, jewelry, knick-knacks and similar products. FARMERS AND RANCHERS: A farmer/rancher who grows, raises, or produces agricultural products and may be a sole proprietorship, a partnership, non-profit or corporation that owns or leases land. Includes family members and employees who assist in the production or sales/marketing of the farm direct products, including THEIR produce, meats, dairy, cheese, honey, grains and plants and cut flowers and value-added products. Off season, September 1st to March 31st, high quality non- local produce purchased from a farm and signed appropriately will be allowed in order to provide an abundance of produce during the time of year when not as many farmers are producing (Produce must be sourced from Continental US only). Both Farmers and Farm Reps may sell non-local produce during this time frame. The Dallas Farmers Market recognizes that farmers and ranchers may not be able to attend all markets due to time and product availability restraints. Therefore, there are a select few FARM REPRESENTATIVES each year to represent farm direct produce under the direct purview of the DFM. ARTISAN FOOD PRODUCERS: Anyone who creates from scratch food products, including prepared to serve on site (ready to eat) foods. Priority for approval is to those that create a value-added food product sourcing directly from local farmers and ranchers. Examples: Herbs, Coffee roasters, pickles and canned goods, fermented 4
products, breads, pastries, pastas, sauces, spices and herb blends, cultural foods, non- alcoholic drinks and mixes. Please contact the DFM Administration with questions about products. ARTS AND CRAFTS: Anyone who creates and makes by hand a quality and unique product. All products will be produced by the person applying for the Dallas Farmers Market. III. APPLICATION PROCESS REGISTER IN MANAGE MY MARKET - Prior to selling at the Dallas Farmers Market, all vendors must submit an online application by registering through the website and be approved by the Dallas Farmers Market Administration. Click here for the link to register on ManageMyMarket. A vendor with different businesses will submit a separate application for each business for a separate approval and space. 5
Applications may be submitted at any time and are valid for that calendar year. Vendors will submit an application every year, pay the processing fee, and will be evaluated for approval based on adherence to the Rules. APPLICATION FEE- The yearly application processing fee is $30 and must be paid for consideration as a vendor. The application processing fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee approval to sell. PROCESSING APPLICATIONS – The Dallas Farmers Market Administration reviews newly completed applications on Sundays. Farmers and Ranchers are contacted first as the farmers market has a “farmer first” policy. Applicants can look up the approval process (received (application submitted), pending (application fee paid), waitlisted, approval or declined) in their ManageMyMarket account. Communication will begin for those that are tagged as prospects and samples and permits will be requested. It usually takes a few weeks to process applicants. IV. APPROVAL OF VENDORS AND PRODUCTS ACCEPTANCE CONSIDERATIONS – The Dallas Farmers Market has criteria for approval of vendors and products: • Completed application online in ManageMyMarket with paid application processing fee. • Read all the Rules and Regulations for understanding and adherence to the mission and rules and regulations. • Producer of the products in application according to the rules and regulations. • Uploaded all applicable permits, license and certificates for the retail sale of the vendor’s products at the DFM. This does not include the Dallas Consumer Health Division permit, as it cannot be issued without an approval letter from the DFM. Expectation will be that the applicant has determined if the product they are selling will require this permit. • Priority is given first to farmers and ranchers, then products made with local farm products, unique and unusual products and attractive displays and signage. • Ability to be a positive communicator with customers, DFM staff and vendor to educate and promote others about the values and belief of the DFM. • Space availability and overall mix and percentage of vendors and products. • A copy of the Certificate of Liability Insurance with the DFMarket 1 as additionally insured before attending the first market day. 6
V. VENDOR TYPES AND CATEGORIES FARMER/RANCHER - A person who grows and/or produces an agricultural product, that is usually edible, such as produce, meats, dairy, cheese, honey, grains and plants and cut flowers and value-added products. Value-added products can also be approved if not over 25% of entire booth offerings. The farmer/producer has ownership of, or financial and/or productive responsibility to the land being farmed during the growing season. The DFM Administration, or designee, will conduct a farm visit for inspection to determine if the farmer/producer is involved in the production of farm products. The farmer/producer is required to display signage of name of farm, growing method and specific farm location. Floral - A person who grows and sells cut flowers, plant baskets, transplant starts and bouquets. Must have the appropriate Texas Agriculture Dept. Nursery Floral License. FARMER REPRESENTATIVE –A DFM selected person who represent farm direct produce under the direct purview of the DFM Administration. Outside farmer sourcing must be in constant coordination with the DFM Administration and disclosed with farmers’ names, contact information, and weekly receipts for verification. There will be restriction of produce that is in direct competition with the farmers selling what they have grown on the weekends from April 1st – August 31st. Signage of farm name, growing method, location, item and price will be used at all times. ARTISAN FOOD- A Person who prepares, produces, and packages a specialty food and beverage product, usually by hand or traditional methods. (See vendor eligibility) ARTS AND CRAFTS – Anyone who creates and makes by hand a quality and unique product. All products will be produced by the person applying for the Dallas Farmers Market. VI. VENDOR REQUIREMENTS INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS – All DFM vendors must carry a Certificate of Liability Insurance with the DFMarket 1, LLC additionally insured. Risk management and safety of the vendors, staff, and customers is of high importance. Vendors at the Dallas Farmers Market are responsible for carrying liability insurance on their business with a minimum of $1M with the “DFMarket1, LLC” as additional insured. The indemnity and release of liability is in the terms of agreement that all applying vendors must sign and submit with application. 7
Check with your current insurance provider. As a suggestion only, www.farmersmarketinsurenow.com or www.fliprogram.com are a couple of sources for a business liability insurance policy for farmers market vendors. FARM/RANCH VISITS – The DFM Administration will make an initial visit to the farms and ranches during normal day hours. Farm visits are scheduled prior to the day of the visit. Additional follow up visits may be necessary with season changes or additional fields or herds. PRODUCT VALIDITY – The DFM Administration may at any time question the validity of any product sold at The Shed. A proof of product’s origin, a visit to the production location, and/or additional proof of validity may be requested. APPROPRIATE PERMITS, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES - It is the vendor’s responsibility to know and obtain the permits needed to sell at The Shed. See list of resources for contact information. All permits, certificates, licenses and the Certificate of Liability Insurance with DFMarket 1, LLC must be uploaded into ManageMyMarket.com account. SALES REPORTING – It is the vendor’s responsibility to report sales in ManageMyMarket on a weekly or monthly basis. This will only be collated as an average and mean report for the entire market and will never be released on an individual business basis. This information will be helpful in marketing evaluations and future planning for the Dallas Farmers Market vendors. DALLAS FARMERS MARKET PERMIT issued by the Dallas Consumer Health Division -Vendors that will be sampling, including cutting produce, and/or preparing and serving on site will be required to have a Farmers Market Permit from the Dallas Consumer Health Division. Contact the Dallas Consumer Health Division for requirements for potentially hazardous food, food handling certification, sampling, and manufacturing license. Click here for FM Permit Guidelines. Dallas Consumer Health Division 7901 Goforth Road Dallas, TX 75238 (214) 670-8083 Matt Cloninger www.dallascityhall.com 8
FOOD MANUFACTURE LICENSE – Obtained from the commercial kitchen (commissary) where the product is made. FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATION – Requirement for the Cottage Food Law. SALES TAX NUMBER- Some vendors may be responsible for sales tax, if required by the State of Texas, and collecting and paying any sales tax that may be assessed on their products. The vendor shall be responsible for filing any and all returns required by the State of Texas with respect to sales tax collection. VII. GENERAL VENDOR RULES FEES AND PAYMENTS: Application Processing Fee - $30 and must be paid for vendor and returning vendor consideration. Please note the application fee is non- refundable and does not guarantee approval to sell at the Dallas Farmers Market. Fee Schedule - See attachment Late Fee for Payments - $10 per vendor stall/day will be invoiced for payments made after midnight on Wednesday night. Fee for Rule Infraction - $10 fine will be invoiced for disregard for these 2018 Guiding Principles. The fine will need to be paid before the next market day. Five fines will be allowed in one year before reevaluation of vendor status. Payments a. Payments of all fees will be due upon receipt of invoice and must be paid to operate as vendor. Must be paid in full by Wednesday at midnight each week or a late fee will be added for each day not paid. b. All fees are non-refundable. Vendors must let DFM Admin know what days they are paying for in advance. Credits are not given for missed days. DFM Admin will work with vendors in emergency situations. c. Fees may only be paid online through the Manage My Market system. Manage My Market accepts payments via PayPal. PayPal accepts credit/debit cards, as well as PayPal account payments. d. All rates and fees are subject to change during the year. Dallas Farmers Market Administration will make every effort to ensure that all vendors are made aware of upcoming fee changes. e. Payment of all fees are required as a condition of operation. 9
OPERATING RULES: VENDOR DISPLAYS a. Vendor space displays must be assembled in a manner that allows clear, visible access to adjoining stalls. All signage and displays must be attractive, of good quality, and look professional, subject to the discretion of Dallas Farmers Market Administration. Seek approval for displays that are outside the normal table, display, and sign. b. The 10x10 canopy must have 25lb. weight on each of the four canopy legs. All weights must be fastened to the canopy and approved. c. Tables must have a base spread and locking legs. Dallas Farmers Market will inspect for overloading and condition. d. Display products are to be within the designated vendor space. e. A-frame sign must be within 10x10 vendor space and not in the walkway, so they do not interfere with customer flow. f. Only tape may be used to secure displays/signs to The Shed property and removed when vendor leaves. GOOD HOUSEKEEPING a. Vendors shall keep vendor spaces in a neat, clean, and sanitary condition. b. All places where food is stored, sold, sampled, or handled in the Dallas Farmers Market shall be maintained and operated in a sanitary manner in accordance with the requirements of all applicable local, state, and federal regulations c. No smoking is permitted within 150 feet of all buildings on Dallas Farmers Market property. d. Vendors must remove all booth generated trash and recycling at the close of the market day. e. The Dallas Farmers Market –The Shed trash cans are for customer use only. f. Animals are allowed in vendor stalls only with permission of Dallas Farmers Market Administration. g. Vendors shall not wash down or pour out water onto sidewalks, common areas, or aisles. BUSINESS CONDUCT a. Vendors are required to be in attendance on their committed market days, exceptions need to be communicated to the DFM Administrations prior to the start of the market. b. All vendors are required to set up each market day 30 minutes prior to advertised start time. Late arrival will need to alert DFM Administration and hand cart products and displays from designated parking. 10
c. All vendors are to remain open during market times, so bring enough product to cover the times. d. Vendors will completely close within one hour from advertised market close time. e. Vendors selling the next day may secure vendor space for the evening at their own risk. f. Vendors may only sell within the space designated to them by Dallas Farmers Market Administration. Standing in front of spaces hawking customers and pushing samples will not be allowed. g. Vendors may not sublet or trade vendor spaces. h. The DFM Staff is held to a standard not to accept gifts or food from vendors. Discounts are acceptable. Refrain from giving free products to DFM Staff. VEHICLES a. Vehicles are not allowed to drive or park on any of the brick paved surfaces or under The Shed at any time. b. Unloading of vehicles must be complete within ½ hour of market start and end time. No moving vehicles on The Shed grounds while the farmers market is open. c. Vehicles are to be parked in the parking lot designated by Dallas Farmers Market Administration after they have been unloaded. d. Vehicles must be approved to be parked directly behind vendor spaces on the north and south sides of The Shed. BEHAVIOR AND CUSTOMER SERVICE a. Vendors are an extension of the Dallas Farmers Market and will at all times maintain a positive, kind and respectable presence on the premises to customers, other vendors, employees and DFM staff. b. The Dallas Farmers Market is committed to providing a space that is free from harassment, in any form and does not allow discrimination. c. No vendor or their agent shall be under the influence of illegal drugs or intoxicated while selling at the Dallas Farmers Market. d. Children must remain in vendor space and not disturb others e. No vendor at the Dallas Farmers Market shall enter into any price agreement or join any organization for the purpose of raising or fixing abnormal or artificial prices of products. f. Music played in vendor spaces will be for listening enjoyment of that said vendor. g. Customer and vendor complaints that cannot be resolved amicably shall be immediately referred to Dallas Farmers Market Administration for mediation. (see IX. Complaints and Grievances) h. Attire and grooming must be neat, clean, and appropriate for the work being performed at the Dallas Farmers Market – The Shed 11
EMPLOYEES a. Vendors may have employees or agents selling their products that are included in the application. Please notify DFM Administration if that person(s) changes. b. All vendors are responsible for the actions of their employees. c. Vendors will not encourage, invite, or hire individuals at the Dallas Farmers Market- The Shed that are undesirable to the customers. PRODUCT QUALITY STANDARDS a. Products will be approved according to a list of priorities for each market day. Higher priority is given to producer made products, organic/natural, quality, packaging, locally sourced ingredients, and mix of products on any given farmers market day. b. It is the responsibility of each vendor to warranty, refund or exchange merchandise that is unsatisfactory to a customer. c. All pre-packaged products must be labeled and have weight and measure declarations. d. All products must be identified by a sign that states price, farm of origin, city and state of origin. e. All products shall be sold at a standard weight and measure. Produce may be sold by the pound, provided scales are certified by the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA); otherwise produce may be sold by the piece, pint, quart, peck, or another generally accepted measure of quantity. All vendors are required to have the vendor’s business cards/name and contact posted in a place where the customers have access. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY Recognizing it is the responsibility to provide a venue for farmers and vendors to sell their products, it is also our responsibility to ensure a safe market environment. The DFM Administration will make decisions to alter market times based on weather reports and on site market conditions. It is the authority of the DFM Administration to close a market early, open a market late, or cancel a market day due to severe or inclement weather. Farmers and vendors will be notified in a timely manner by email. During inclement weather events, it is up to the individual vendor to make a decision about whether or not to attend farmers market that day if the market remains open. 12
VIII. CONTACT INFORMATION Dallas Farmers Market – The Shed 920 S. Harwood St. Dallas, TX 75201 info@dallasfarmersmarket.org 214-664-9110 Security (24 HOUR) and Courtesy Office: 214-878-1619 DFM Administrative Office Open Daily, 8am – 4pm. The Dallas Farmers Market does not accept postal mail on behalf of vendors. Any and all mail addressed to vendors will be returned to sender. Staff Directory Name Position E-mail Address Nancy Barber Director of The Dallas Nancy.Barber@SpectrumProp.com Farmers Market Beth Clem Market and Shed Beth.Clem@DallasFarmersMarket.org Manager Assistant Market Nick Hammett Nick.Hammett@DallasFarmersMarket.org Manager Market and Shed Office Shonna Rae Sorrell Manager Shonna.Sorrell@DallasFarmersMarket.org Derrick Ducking Advisory Consultant Derrick.Ducking@DallasFarmersMarket.org U.S. Security Associates Security is on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For security issues and locked restrooms, please call 214- 878-1619 12
IX. COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES COMPLAINT PROCESS – Vendor or customer may file a complaint in writing to the DFM Administration, if they suspect a vendor is violating market rules and regulations. Complaints will need to be in writing to the Director of Market Operations and should include the complainant’s name and phone number and the complaint pertaining to quality, conduct, or unfair practices of a vendor or DFM staff. DFM Administration will follow up with a visit to determine compliance. If the complaint is not remedied to the satisfaction of the DFM Administration, a written warning will be given to the offending vendor with the expectation that it will be remedied. A second complaint may result in a brief intermission from selling at The Shed. A third complaint will result in a 90 day suspension and/or permanent removal from The Shed. GRIEVANCES - All vendors agree that they understand and agree to the DFM Shed Rules and Regulations as part of the application process. In the case of a fine, suspension or termination, a written notice of the action to be taken will be provided to the vendor. The vendor may appeal, in writing, the action to be taken within 5 days prior to becoming effective. Any vendor may also file a grievance in writing with the DFM if they believe any DFM staff is violating the Rules and Regulations. The response to the grievance will be provided in writing to the vendor by DFM within 30 days of the appeal. All grievances will be sent to Dallas Farmers Market office, 920 S. Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201. 13
X. ATTACHMENTS FEE SCHEDULE: The Shed Fees Daily Fees - The Shed Amount Farmer/Producer $10 Farmer Representative November - March $25 April - October $35 Food Artisan November – March $35 April - October $50 Corner Booth November – March $50 Crafts and Artisans April - October $75 Arts and Crafts November – March $35 April – October $50 Electricity - 110V $10 Electricity - 220V $15 Late Payment Fee (Per Space, Per Day) $10 Trucks/trailer Overnight (farmers exempt) $20 10% Discount on vendor spaces, if paid monthly ½ off Friday fee, if paid for both Saturday and Sunday Other Fees Amount Annual Processing Application/Membership Fee $30 Fines for Rule Infraction (up to $50 before evaluation of vendor status) $10 DFM Produce Signage (15 Signs) $10 Instructor-led Field Trip ($6/person) $6 14
RESOURCES: Dallas Farmers Market Permit (sampling and cooking on site) Dallas Consumer Health Division 7901 Goforth Road Dallas, TX 75238 (214) 670-8083 Matt Cloninger, supervisor www.dallascityhall.com Nursery and Floral License: Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) P.O. Box 12847 Austin, TX 78711 (512) 463-7476 (800) TELL-TDA (835-5832) https://texasagriculture.gov/RegulatoryPrograms/PlantQuality/NurseryFloral.aspx Fax: (888) 223-8861 www.agr.state.tx.us State Retail Food Division 1100 West 49th Street Austin, TX 78756 (512) 719-0232 Fax: (512) 719-0262 www.tdh.state.tx.us Texas Cottage Food Law http://texascottagefoodlaw.com/ Texas Retail Sales Tax https://www.comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/sales/ Dallas Farmers Market Friends The Dallas Farmers Market Friends, established in 1991, is organized exclusively for charitable, civic, agricultural and social purposes. The Dallas Farmers Market Friends focuses on promoting and expanding the community awareness and utilization of the Dallas Farmers Market, as well as raising of funds for the preservation, promotion, and re-development of the Dallas Farmers Market. The Dallas Farmers Market Friends is organized as a 501-C3 charitable group. 15
6333 E Mockingbird Lane #147, PMB 695 Dallas, TX 75214 (214) 741-1088 www.dfmfriends.org dfmfriends10@gmail.com Texas Organic Farmers & Growers Association (TOFGA) PO Box 48 Elgin, TX 78621 (512) 656-2456 www.tofga.org admin@tofga.org Go Texan - http://www.gotexan.org/ Local Harvest - http://www.localharvest.org Farmers Market Coalition - https://farmersmarketcoalition.org/ Growing for Market – Selling at a Farmers Market file:///C:/Users/Parc%20Place/Downloads/SellingAtFarmersMarkets2010.pdf USDA Grants and Opportunities- https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants National Center for Appropriate Technologies - https://www.ncat.org/ 16
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