2021 Vendor Guide Guidelines and Rules for Operation
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2021 Vendor Guide
Guidelines and Rules for Operation
Tuesdays, Select Saturdays, November – March
June 8 – Sept. 28 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
3 – 7 p.m.
Minnetonka Civic Center Campus Minnetonka Community Center
Ice Arena B parking lot 14600 Minnetonka Blvd
14600 Minnetonka Blvd.
www.minnetonkamn.gov/farmersmarket
2021 Minnetonka Farmers Market Vendor Guide
Table of Contents
Mission Statement ..................................................................................................................... 3
Contact Information .................................................................................................................... 3
Important Dates ......................................................................................................................... 3
Overview .................................................................................................................................... 3
Application, Fees and Payment .................................................................................................. 4
Marketing the Market ................................................................................................................. 4
Community Booths: .................................................................................................................................. 4
ICA Food Shelf: .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Website and Social Media: .................................................................................................... 4
Music: ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Power of Produce: .................................................................................................................................... 4
Market Goods ............................................................................................................................ 5
Market Operations – Tuesday market ........................................................................................ 6
Logistics ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Vendor Stalls ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Restrooms and Water Access ............................................................................................................... 7
Vendor Attendance ................................................................................................................................... 7
Vendor Behavior ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Labeling and Sales Practice ....................................................................................................................... 8
Permits, Licenses, Taxes and Insurance .................................................................................... 9
Tokens ....................................................................................................................................... 9
EBT & Market Bucks .................................................................................................................................. 9
Eligible foods ......................................................................................................................................... 9
$1 RED Apple Tokens ............................................................................................................................ 9
$1 Market Bucks ................................................................................................................................. 10
$5 Tokens ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Healthy Savings Program ........................................................................................................................ 11
POP Club.................................................................................................................................................. 11
Weather ....................................................................................................................................12
Sampling ...................................................................................................................................12
Feedback ..................................................................................................................................12
2
2021 Minnetonka Farmers Market Vendor Guide
Mission Statement
The Minnetonka Farmers Market is a market in which farmers, growers and producers sell
their own products directly to the public, allowing consumers to have a direct relationship with
the producer of the items they purchase. This market will provide affordable options for healthy
living while emphasizing quality and freshness.
Contact Information
Office and Mailing Address Tuesday Market Location
Minnetonka Farmers Market Minnetonka Civic Center Campus
14600 Minnetonka Blvd. Ice Arena B parking lot
Minnetonka, MN 55345 14600 Minnetonka Blvd.
Email: farmersmarket@minnetonkamn.gov
Phone: 952-939-8301
Fax: 952-939-8311
www.minnetonkamn.gov/farmersmarket
Important Dates
March 30, 2021 Application deadline for returning vendors
(New vendors will be considered throughout the season)
March 31st, 2021 Returning vendors notified of application status
TBD Annual Pre-Season Vendor Meeting
June 8, 2021 Tuesday market, season begins
Sept. 28, 2021 Last Tuesday market & End of Season Vendor Potluck
Nov 13th , 2021 Indoor Winter market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Dec 4th, 2021 Indoor Winter market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Jan 8th, 2022 Indoor Winter market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Feb 12th, 2022 Indoor Winter market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mar 12th, 2022 Indoor Winter Market, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Overview
The Minnetonka Farmers Market guidelines are designed to ensure:
The market is a safe and enjoyable place for guests and vendors
The market and its vendors are in compliance with federal, state, county and local
regulations
The market maintains a welcoming, community feel for everyone
Vendors have a fair, equitable and respectful environment to conduct their business
The City shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin,
sex, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, age or sexual
orientation
3
2021 Minnetonka Farmers Market Vendor Guide
Application, Fees and Payment
All prospective vendors must complete:
o Vendor application
o ST-19 Minnesota Revenue Operator Certificate of Compliance form
o W-9 IRS form
Return these to the City of Minnetonka, with appropriate vendor fees.
Vendors that apply must be actively involved in the production, planting, growing,
harvesting and/or processing of products they wish to sell at the market. Reselling is
prohibited unless market management provides express permission.
Market management reserves the right to refuse acceptance to any vendor or
product that does not meet the rules and standards of the market. Fees for denied
applications will be returned promptly.
Once an application is accepted in writing (electronic or paper confirmation), the fee
is nonrefundable.
Stall space is available to those actively engaged in producing accepted products, as
listed in the Market Goods section. Stall space is not transferable.
Marketing the Market
Community Booths: Each week we offer a non-profit organization the opportunity to
participate in the market. We partner with organizations that offer information or a
service to our customers. Community groups are not permitted to sell anything at their
market booth and religious organizations or faith communities are not allowed. All
community groups must complete a community group application and be approved by
market management. We encourage community groups to share information about their
presence at the market with their members and constituents.
ICA Food Shelf: The Minnetonka Farmers Market has a partnership with ICA food shelf.
Last year visitors and market vendors contributed over 1,800 pounds of food to help
stock the ICA food shelves, ensuring that everyone in our community has access to
fresh fruits and vegetables. A volunteer from ICA food shelf provides containers each
week to collect food that would otherwise go to waste. Vendors are encouraged, but not
required to participate in this gleaning opportunity.
Website, Directories, Social Media and Local Line :
Minnetonka Farmers Market is promoted through our Minnesota Grown listing, MN Farmers
Market Association directory listing, in the Minnetonka Memo, and weekly on the city’s
Facebook page. Please “Like” our Facebook page and send us information if your
business is listed on social media so together we can continue to build awareness about
the market.
Online Sales: Minnetonka Farmers Market offers vendors the ability to use Local Line, our
online farmers market, for pre-sales. Vendors may also use their own website to accept pre-
orders. Minnetonka Farmers Market Online: www.localline.ca/minnetonka-farmers-market
Contact market staff to learn more.
Music: Each week we will feature a live musician or small band at the market. The music
is intended to create a fun, festive environment at the market.
Power of Produce: This program offers a fun opportunity for kids to engage in the local
food system with educational games, demonstrations and exposure to new fruits and 4
vegetables. POP Club kids receive tokens to spend at the market, allowing them to try
fruits and vegetables and make their own shopping decisions.
2021 Minnetonka Farmers Market Vendor Guide
Market Goods
The following items, all of which must be vendor grown or produced, are approved for
sale. No reselling is allowed.
o Fresh fruits and vegetables
o Herbs and spices
o Vendor produced cheese, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, baked goods, canned goods,
honey, maple syrup and preserves containing vendor-grown or collected
products, if prepared and packaged in accordance with rules established by the
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
o Items allowed through MDA’s Cottage Foods Exemption – preference given to
items made with vendor grown and/or locally grown ingredients.
o Bedding plants, hanging and potted plants, and cut flowers
o Dried flowers and plants
o Craft items (Samples or photos of crafts must be submitted at the time of
application. The City of Minnetonka reserves the right to limit the number of craft
vendors to ensure a customer friendly mix of products at the market.)
Products others than those listed may be approved for sale if the market manager
determines the items would benefit the market as a whole.
In order to provide customers with a variety of food products, some limited product
reselling may be allowed under very specific circumstances. Reselling will be allowed at
the sole discretion of the market manager, will only apply to food items, and must have
prior approval. Reselling will not be allowed for produce under any circumstances. If a
food product is locally available by a first-party vendor, that will always be preferred over
a reseller.
Vendors may not sell any items not approved or shown in their market application.
Vendors must remove products when requested by market staff.
Processed food items should be sold with a valid processing license and/or comply with
Minnesota labeling law requirements.
Products sold as Certified Organic must have originated from a USDA Certified Organic
farm and the vendor must provide a copy of the farm’s National Organic Standard
certificate as provided by a USDA accredited agent.
All producers of processed (jams, jellies, syrups, baked goods, etc.) items
baked/processed at home must meet the requirements of the Minnesota Cottage Food
exemption and must be labeled with date of production, the name, complete home
address of the producer and a list of ingredients. For more information visit
www.mda.state.mn.us/cottagefood
Items sold by weight units of measure require a Minnesota State Certified Scale. All
other items must be sold by bulk, bundle or individual items.
Food Sampling: Samples must be distributed in accordance with the guidelines of the
City of Minnetonka environmental health department.
o Please be sure to check with the environmental health department, 952-939-
8272 before deciding to apply for the Minnetonka Farmers Market.
5
2021 Minnetonka Farmers Market Vendor Guide
Market staff has the right to inspect crops and production areas at any time before or
during the market season to verify compliance with the city’s requirements.
Distribution of CSA shares at the Minnetonka Farmers Market is not allowed.
Market Operations – Tuesday market
Logistics
Vendors may begin setting up at 1 p.m. on market days. Market staff will be at the
market location at 1 p.m. to check in vendors and assist vendors with any questions.
The market will begin exactly at 3 p.m. when staff ring a bell. Vendors are encouraged to
be in place 30 minutes before the market opens.
o No presales are allowed, however vendors can make discrete purchases from
fellow vendors prior to 3 p.m.
o Selling to customers early will result in a $25 fine and/or loss of future selling
privileges.
Vendors must remain until the market closes.
To ensure public safety, no moving vehicles will be allowed in the market area between
2:45 p.m. and 7:05 p.m. If you arrive after 2:45 p.m., or fail to complete unloading by that
time, you must park in an adjacent area and walk your merchandise and supplies (tents,
tables, etc.) to and from your stall location. Failure to comply with this regulation may
result in a loss of future selling privileges.
Vendors are allowed one stationary vehicle in their assigned stalls, if it fits. Vehicles may
not be parked outside of your stall boundaries or on the sidewalks surrounding the
parking lot. Most stalls are 10’ by 20’ in total, 10’ wide and 20’ deep. Not all vehicles will
fit in a stall, please keep this in mind when planning your stall setup.
Vendor Stalls
This is an outdoor market held in a parking lot, so please prepare yourself and your
product for weather-related challenges such as extreme heat, rain, wind, etc.
Tents and canopies must be weighted down at all times.
o Please be sure to have adequate weight, at least 25 lbs. for each leg of the tent
or canopy.
o No stakes may be pounded into the asphalt.
o Vendors assume responsibility for any injury, loss or damage of any kind that
may result from improperly or insufficiently securing tents, awnings, display
equipment, products or other items.
Vendors are required to post a visible, professional sign with the name of their farm or
business prominently displayed in their booth.
6
2021 Minnetonka Farmers Market Vendor Guide
Stalls are 10’x20’. All items must be contained within the stall, including tents.
Vendors may request a maximum of three stalls. Final determination of stall allotment
and location will be made by market management. Location assignments will take into
account the position from previous years.
Vendors are responsible for providing all tables, chairs, canopies, weights and other
items needed for their display.
Limited electricity is available for product-related uses only. It must be requested and
paid for in advance of the market.
Stall space will be assigned to allow for the best product mix and traffic flow, and based
on previous market attendance record. Market staff has the authority to move and
reassign stall space to enhance or facilitate market operations.
Restrooms and Water Access
Drinking water and restrooms are available on the North side of the Ice Arena B.
Vendor Attendance
Vendors are expected to attend all markets for which they are scheduled/listed on the
application.
Vendors must notify market staff if they are not coming to the market. Notice must be
given in one of the following ways no later than 11 a.m. on market day:
o Call farmers market voicemail, 952-939-8301
o Send an email to farmersmarket@minnetonkamn.gov
Repeated late arrivals or absences by a vendor, with or without notice, may result in
suspension or revocation of a vendor’s selling rights.
If a personal emergency situation arises after the market opens and a vendor feels they
must leave, please notify market staff who will do their best to facilitate departure.
Valid reasons for cancellation do not include weather-related concerns such as heat,
wind or rain, or ongoing mechanical difficulties with vehicles.
Vendors who are consistently absent will not be invited back for the following year.
Vendor Behavior
Not allowed at the market:
o Alcohol
o Smoking
o Pets or other live animals, including in a vehicle.
Vendors are expected to attend the market to sell their own products. Additional sellers
that assist at the booth must be listed on the vendor application. No one under the age
of 18 may sell or maintain a stall without adult supervision.
7
2021 Minnetonka Farmers Market Vendor Guide
The general cleanliness of the market is everyone’s responsibility. All vendors must keep
their area neat while selling and make certain that all trash is removed from the market
area by 8 p.m. This includes sweeping up and disposing of any litter, organic or
otherwise, left over after the market. Trash cans are provided only for incidental trash –
large items should be taken with the vendor for appropriate disposal. Failure to clean up
in accordance with these guidelines will result in a $25 fine.
All market vendors should represent themselves in an appropriate manner, dress and
state of cleanliness. Shirts and shoes must be worn. All displays must be neat and
tasteful.
Vendors who have a concern about the conduct and/or prices of another vendor should
contact market staff so the concern can be addressed appropriately.
Any vendor who is not complying with the market rules must leave when requested to do
so by market staff. The vendor may petition to be re-accepted to the market if approved
by the market staff.
Labeling and Sales Practice
Price, terms of sale, etc. are between buyer and seller only. All vendors agree to abide
by fair business practices.
All items must be prepared, labeled, displayed and stored in accordance with Minnesota
Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Health, Hennepin County
Community Health Department and City of Minnetonka guidelines.
Products sold as Certified Organic must have originated from a USDA Certified Organic
farm and the vendor must provide a copy of the farm’s National Organic Standard
certificate as provided by a USDA accredited agent.
Vendors who use organic or chemical free growing practices are encouraged to label
their products accordingly.
Items baked/processed at home must meet the requirements of the Minnesota Cottage
Food exemption and must be labeled with date of production, the name, complete home
address of the producer and a list of ingredients. For more information visit
www.mda.state.mn.us/cottagefood.
Solicitation unrelated to the sale of Market Goods is prohibited
82021 Minnetonka Farmers Market Vendor Guide
Permits, Licenses, Taxes and Insurance
All permits and licenses required by the City of Minnetonka, Hennepin County and the
State of Minnesota or the federal government are the sole responsibility of the vendors.
Any required sales tax collections and remittances are the sole responsibility of the
vendors.
The City of Minnetonka is not liable for any injury, theft, or damage to either the buyer or
seller, or their property, arising out of or pertaining to preparation for or participation in
the Minnetonka Farmers Market; whether such injury, theft or damage occurred prior,
during, or after the Minnetonka Farmers Market. Seller further agrees to indemnify,
defend and hold harmless the City of Minnetonka and its respective officers, employees,
agents and consultants for and against any claims for injury, theft or damage resulting
from the fault of the seller.
Tokens
EBT & Market Bucks
Minnetonka Farmers Market is part of the EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) and Market Buck
Initiative through Hunger Solutions MN. This program allows customers who use federal food
assistance, known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/SNAP or EBT, to be able to
buy food at our market.
Note: Participation in this program is encouraged but not mandatory. You must sign a separate
EBT agreement to accept these tokens and Market Bucks.
Eligible foods: all groceries, with the exception of hot/ready to eat foods. Pet food is also not
included.
Not sure? Ask us!
Preserved and fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs
Meat, dairy and eggs
Baked and canned goods
Coffee beans, chocolate, honey, maple syrup
Vegetable and fruit-bearing plants, and herb plants
$1 RED Apple Tokens
Customers using EBT Cards obtain tokens at the Farmers Market
Information Booth. We provide tokens in $1 increments to spend on eligible
products at the market. There is no fee to EBT customers for this service.
These tokens do not expire, however they may only be used at the
Minnetonka Farmers Market or Minnetonka Winter Farmers Market.
No change can be given for EBT Red Apple Tokens so please adjust your quantities
accordingly.
$1 EBT Red Apple Tokens are equivalent to a dollar bill – products will be priced the
same for EBT customers.
92021 Minnetonka Farmers Market Vendor Guide
$1 Market Bucks
Customers may receive Market Bucks when they use
their EBT card at the Farmers Market Information Booth.
The Minnetonka Farmers Market will match their EBT
tokens with up to $10 in free Market Bucks to be spent the
same way as the EBT tokens.
No change can be given for Market Bucks so please adjust your quantities accordingly.
$1 Market Bucks are equivalent to a dollar bill – products will be priced the same for EBT
customers.
Market Bucks expire at the end of the season – check the dates on the back. Expired
Market Bucks should not be accepted.
$5 Tokens
Note: there are currently 2 designs in circulation, both are valid, see photos below:
Customers receive Credit/Debit tokens when they use their credit or debit card at the Farmers
Market Information Booth. Customers using credit/debit cards can get tokens in $5 increments
to be spent on any products at the market. There is no fee to credit/debit customers for this
service.
$5 tokens are worth the same as $5 bills – products will be priced the same for
credit/debit customers.
Customers can spend these $5 Tokens on any products at the market.
You must give change back if a customer does not spend the full $5 on your product.
102021 Minnetonka Farmers Market Vendor Guide
Healthy Savings Program
Customers show their Healthy Savings Card or Medica insurance
card at Farmers Market Information booth and receive a Healthy
Savings voucher.
Customers will be given a coupon voucher worth $3 to use for
purchasing produce.
These vouchers do not expire and they may be used at any
market participating in the Healthy Savings program.
No change can be given for the Healthy Savings voucher so please adjust your
quantities accordingly.
Vendors turn in $3 coupon vouchers with other tokens for reimbursement
POP Club
The Power of Produce (POP) Club offers a fun opportunity for kids to learn about new fruits and
vegetables and engage in educational activities. POP Club kids receive vouchers to spend at
the market, allowing them to try fruits and vegetables and make their own shopping decisions.
Kids, ages 4-12 may participate in the POP Club.
Kids will stop by the POP booth and try a different fruit or vegetable each week. They will
then be given a coupon voucher worth $2 to use for purchasing produce.
These vouchers expire at the end of the market season, and they may only be used at
the Minnetonka Farmers Market.
Vendors are encouraged to create a small, $2 sample pack, appropriate for kids so they
get a variety with their voucher. No change can be given for the POP voucher so please
adjust your quantities accordingly.
Vendors turn in $2 coupon vouchers with other tokens for reimbursement.
112021 Minnetonka Farmers Market Vendor Guide
Weather
The Minnetonka Farmers Market occurs rain or shine. Instances of severe weather can
affect market operations. If the market does need to be cancelled, it will not be rescheduled
– the market will resume on its next regularly scheduled day.
In the event of severe weather (hail, lightning, torrential downpour, tornado warnings, etc.)
during the market:
Market staff have access to radar via cellphone, and will monitor any incoming weather.
During the market, should severe weather be expected to arrive (wind, hail, lightning,
etc.) that may pose a danger to vendors and/or customers, vendors will be notified that
the market is closing and vendors may pack up and leave.
In case of dangerous weather conditions, where there is no time to pack up and leave,
vendors and customers will be notified immediately and directed to Ice Arena B to seek
shelter.
Sampling
If you noted on your application that you will be offering food samples at your booth, please
contact: Michael Greene, Senior Environmental Health Specialist (952-939-8280 ,
mgreene@minnetonkamn.gov) to ensure you are in compliance with City of Minnetonka
sampling guidelines.
Samples must be:
Free
3 oz. or less by weight or volume
Offered as a single-serving
Stopped when all of the prepared samples have been distributed
Vendors must hand the sample to customers; no self-serve
Prepared off-site, prior to arriving at the farmers market
Example portion cups for sampling
(All samples must be pre-portioned into cups at an approved location prior to coming to the
market.)
Feedback
The City of Minnetonka encourages feedback about the Farmers Market. Please share your
comments and concerns in one of the following ways:
Phone: 952-939-8301
Email: farmersmarket@minnetonkamn.gov
Mail: Minnetonka Farmers Market, 14600 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka, MN 55345
12You can also read
