What goes into a Farmers’ Market? Yes, yes, fruits, veggies, and whole lot more. But, what is the criteria to actually be a vendor? Interested in going behind the scenes? And if you’re a local or regional farmer, Salem Main Streets really wants you to read on, as we are always looking to add another vendor to our menu.
Salem Main Streets has just issued the invitation for local farmers and food vendors to participate in the 2018 Salem Farmers’ Market. It will be centrally located in downtown Salem in Derby Square on Thursdays, 3:00–7:00 p.m. from June 7 through October 11, 2018.
“We are so proud of our market vendors, and we hope to see many returning, but we’re also always on the look-out for the next up and coming business,” explains Salem Main Streets Executive Director Kylie Sullivan. “This is the perfect opportunity for a newer small businesses looking to get to the next level, as well as established businesses looking to reach a new audience.”
Rules and Regulations
All products must be grown or produced in New England. If a farmer is selling any items he/she did not grow, the farm of origin must be listed. Vendors may label items organic only if they are certified.
Sullivan notes that the Salem Farmers’ Market is especially looking for meat and cheese vendors.
Non-farm products must be high quality, locally made, take skill and creativity, and the vendor must add at least 75% of the total value to the product. The product(s) should be complementary to a farmers’ market.
Anyone wishing to sell their products at the Salem Farmers’ Market must submit an application for consideration by March 17. Applications can be downloaded from www.salemfarmersmarket.org.
Booth space is $30 a week for a 10’ x 10’ spot, $60 for a 10’ x 20’ spot, and $90 for a 10’ by 30’ spot. There is a discount for prepayment of the entire season.
So, you see, not just anyone can roll their pick up over to Derby Square and dump a load of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, etc.
Celebrating 10 years this season, the Salem Farmers’ Market welcomes an average of 2,000+ customers weekly. The market is made possible through the leadership of Salem Main Streets and the Farmers’ Market Committee, as well as the generous contributions of numerous volunteers.
For more information please contact Salem Main Streets Executive Director Kylie Sullivan via email at kylie@salemmainstreets.org or phone at 978-744-0004 x115. To get the latest updates about the market, visit our website at www.salemfarmersmarket.org, or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SalemMAFarmersMarket) or on Twitter (@salemfarmersmarket).
