Lewiston Farmers’ Market

Market Rules

2004 season

These market rules are to be followed by all those who participate in the Lewiston Farmers’ Market. These rules have been adapted from the rules of other markets, and have been developed in cooperation with members of the Lewiston Farmers’ Market. Their purpose is to minimize disputes between vendors and keep the high standards our members and customers have come to expect at farmers markets in Maine.

1. ELIGIBILITY:

A. All farmers, gardeners, bakers and others who produce what they offer for sale are eligible for membership in the market.

B. No one will be accepted into the market without a completed application and payment of annual dues. The deadline for joining the market is May 1, 2004. A late fee of $20 will be assessed after that date. Applications received after May 1, 2004 may not get their farms listed in the market’s promotional brochure.

C. Because of space constraints, the Lewiston Farmers’ Market will have a maximum capacity of 15 stalls for vendors. Reservation of a stall will be on a “first come, first served” basis, based on date of receipt of a complete application and annual dues. If the market reaches capacity, a waiting list will be started, in order of receipt of application.

2. LOCATION AND TIMES:

A. The Lewiston Farmers’ Market will be located at Kennedy Park in Lewiston, Maine. The Market will be held Monday afternoons from 2pm to 6pm.

B. The 2004 market will open for the season on June 7, 2004 and will close on November 1, 2004.

3. DUES:

A. Dues are collected to cover market expenses, such as insurance and advertising. Annual Dues will be a non­refundable $120, payable with your yearly membership application on or before May 15, 2004. A $20 late fee will be assessed for those joining after May 15, 2004.

SETTING UP AT MARKET:

A. In order to reduce conflict between members and to avoid any disorientation of customers, “stalls” will be allocated to vendors based on the receipt of application. Members are expected to respect this arrangement and set up in their allocated stall. If a member has notified the market master that they will not be in attendance for a market day, adjacent vendors may move into the stall to fill in the hole and maintain the continuity of the market. If a members absence becomes routine, their stall may be permanently reallocated by the market master so that continuity is maintained at the market.

B. Members who are not present for four or more market days in the previous season (not including periods the member indicated they would not be at market on their membership application) will be considered new applicants and thus may lose their place in the market to a potential vendor on the waiting list, if one has been established.

C. All vendors will have signs that display their name and address in a prominent manner every day they are at market. All displays should be neat and tasteful.

D. Maintenance by members of a clear walkway for customers to move from one vendor to another without obstruction is important and will be enforced by the market master.

F. Only one vehicle per member is allowed in the parking spots immediately adjacent to market area. It is suggested that if a member does not require active use of their vehicle during the market (for restocking displays or storing goods), that their vehicle be parked in another nearby area until re­loading the vehicle at the close of the market. This will ensure an adequate number of parking spots for customers and will increase the visibility of the market.

G. From time to time during the season, space restrictions may require the market master to direct that less space than usual be taken up by each member. This will most often be due to an anticipated exceptionally high attendance by members, such as in late August or early September. Your cooperation at such times is appreciated.

H. No Overnight Parking is allowed by market members in the locations used for set up. Any disabled vehicle must be removed from the immediate setup area by the end of the market day.

I. A State Scale Inspector may visit the market during the season to check the accuracy of your scales.

J. Individual farmers are responsible for obtaining approval to accept WIC and food stamps, if they choose.

K. Bathroom facilities are available during business hours at Lewiston City Hall.

5. HANDICRAFTS:

A. Items which are made from a majority of materials which are not grown, gathered, or caught by a vendor will be considered handicrafts or non­farm items. The sale of handicrafts and non­farm items will be allowed, but in no instance shall the number of members selling primarily this kind of item exceed 20% of the total number of vendors at the Lewiston Farmers’ Market. Vendors selling this type of product are responsible for procuring the necessary permit from the City of Lewiston.

B. Handicrafts and like non­farm items may be sold by members considered as farm vendors, provided that the major portion of the members display is farm product or similar product of their own growing, gathering, or catching.

6. PROCESSED FOODS:

A. All producers of home processed items such as maple syrup, honey, jams, jellies, relishes, baked goods, and home canned goods are required by Maine law to obtain the proper licenses from the City of Lewiston and the Maine Department of Agriculture. A copy of all applicable licenses and insurance must be displayed at the vendor’s stand at all times, and photocopies shall be given to the market master for reference.

7. 25% BUY­IN RULE

A. In order to assure the freshest and highest quality produce at the Lewiston Farmers’ Market, and to assure customers they are dealing directly with the farmer and not with peddlers, market members must produce at least 75% of items they sell. Members may only purchase another farmer’s produce for resale at market in order to avoid running out of an item or to meet peak demands. The stand may be staffed with an immediate family member or employee. Ghost members (growers who themselves do not attend, but join the market for the sole purpose of supplying another market member) are not allowed. Items offered for sale must be fresh and of high quality. Farm visits may be made to assure a members production of what is being offered for sale at Market.

8. PRODUCT PRICING & REPRESENTATION:

A. Predatory pricing or pricing products far below the cost to produce them will not be allowed. Competition is good for everyone, but throat cutting can destroy the entire market. Please take the time to know your production costs and set your prices at a fair market value.

B. Any attempt to mislabel items for sale will be considered an attempt to defraud the public, and may result in barring from the market. Non­satisfactory items returned by consumers must be refunded or exchanged by the vendor.

9. PERSONAL CONDUCT & PRESENTATION:

A. Members should present themselves in an appropriate manner, dress and state of cleanliness. Shirts must be worn. The market master may mention to members if their appearance or manner could be deemed offensive to customers.

B. Members should behave in a cooperative manner towards other members, especially when a customer has a complaint or is asking to return a non­satisfactory item.

C. No hawking or calling out to attract buyers is permitted.

D. Consumption of alcoholic beverages by vendors at the market is prohibited.

10. PICKING UP:

A. General cleanliness of the market area is everyone’s responsibility. It assures customers a pleasant place to shop, and keeps us on good terms with the city. This includes picking up your own area while selling and making certain the entire market area is clean before you leave.

11. VIOLATION OF THE RULES:

A. Upon determination that market rules have been violated, the offender will be given a verbal warning. Further violations will be brought before the Board, who, after due consideration, may enforce corrective action or cancel the offender’s membership to the market, with forfeiture of dues. Any member may, and should, inform the market master of any failure to comply with the market rules.

12. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

A. These rules may be temporarily modified to address unanticipated circumstances not herein covered. Any modification will be made only after a majority vote of the full membership (polling by phone is permissible), and shall state the reason and the specific duration of the modification.