Branch Mills Grange Farmers Market

By­Laws and Guidlines­2003

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

The Branch Mills Grange Farmers Market has been established in order to provide local small growers with an opportunity to sell fresh picked produce and related products; to encourage an appreciation for our rural resources to the public and to offer a source of marketing and management for its members.

The Branch Mills Grange Farmers Market will operate at a selected site, establish guidlines, set quality standards and encourage growth.

I. MEMBERSHIP:

A. Members are expected to abide by the The Branch Mills Grange Farmers Market statement of purpose and attend at least 5 days during the season.

B. Membership shall be for the fiscal year January 1­December 31. Membership fees will not be pro­rated for partial year membership.

C. Membership is open to all interested parties regardless of residence.

D. All applicants must pay the yearly fee in order to participate.

1. The fee will be reviewed yearly and covers all members of a household.

E. Members shall submit a completed application prior to participating in the market.

F. Members must comply with the by­laws and guidelines of the Branch Mills Grange Farmers Market .

1. Any member receiving a complaint of not abiding by the by­laws and guidelines, being uncooperative or acting detrimental to the market, customers or other members, risks removal from the market.

II. ACCEPTABLE PRODUCTS:

A. Products for sale at the Branch Mills Grange Farmers Market must have been grown or produced by the vendor or a family member.

B. Items purchased for resale are strictly forbidden.

C. All produce must have a high quality of freshness. Produce should be picked as close to the Market time as possible and handled to preserve freshness.

III MARKET SITE:

A. The Market will be conducted at such days and hours as decided by the members and will operate rain or shine.

B. The Branch Mills Grange Farmers Market will be identified by a neat, legible sign placed at the Market, subject to approval by the property owner.

C. Layout of the sites will be determined by the property owner and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

D. Vendors must post their name and farm location at their site each market day.

E. A daily site fee will be charged to each Market participant. Payment entitles vendors to sell at the Market on the day in which the fee is collected.

IV MARKET OPERATION:

A. Knowledge and compliance with all state regulations regarding production, labeling, display and sale of all products at the Branch Mills Grange Farmers Market, is the responsibility of the vendor.

B. Sales tax must be collected as required by Maine State Law, on non­edibles such as crafts. It is the responsibility of each vendor to obtain their own tax numbers and be familiar with which of their items are taxable, and to collect that tax and forward it to the state treasurer.

C. Processors of homemade foods such as canned foods, baked goods, etc. must comply with Chapter 345 of the Department of Agriculture requirements and assume responsibility for licensing, inspection, etc.

D. Eggs, meat, fish and dairy products must be handled according to state regulations (e.g. product must be kept in a cooler or on ice).

E. Department of Agriculture requires that all produce be kept at least 6 inches off the floor.

F. All produce sold by weight must be weighed in front of the customer. Scales must carry current certification by the Department of Weights and Measures as required by Maine State Law.

G. Vendors engaged in growing and selling plants of all kinds must obtain a license from the Department of Agriculture.

H. Prices should be displayed clearly, either by a price list or individual signs for each product.

V. APPEARANCE AND CONDUCT:

A. Vendors will be neat, suitably dressed, and deal with customers in a courteous manner.

B. All vendors will display their products neatly and attractively so as to be considerate of the other vendors and general public.

C. All vendors are responsible for their own area and will supply containers for their trash and will leave their site clean and in a condition suitable to the property owner.

D. The Branch Mills Grange Farmers Market prohibits vendors from bringing pets to the market site.

E. Hawking and false advertising is forbidden.