2017 Vendors meeting

Brief History Started in 2008 by a few interested individuals who wanted fresher produce and a connection with the farmers Incorporated as North Louisiana Farm Fresh (NLFF) in 2010. NLFF manages the market. NLFF received nonprofit (501(c)3) designation in 2014 CEA with City of Ruston in 2015 to occupy old warehouse All volunteer-run organization. 1st paid market manager in Fall of 2015

Mission The mission of Ruston Farmers Market is to provide a dedicated space for the development of a sustainable food system that allows Louisiana vendors to sell their goods, and community members to directly purchase local and wholesome products. GOALS Provide a direct-sales venue for regional farmers, growers, producers of local value-added products, artists, and craftspeople. Create a safe and welcoming gathering place in downtown Ruston in service of the community and local businesses. Educate the community on the benefits of eating fresh, local produce and supporting regional agriculture & sustainable food systems.

Vendor Eligibility Any person or group growing or creating within the State of Louisiana Includes all family and employees of the vendor. We are NOT a resale market. NO resale of craft/art items or value-added products. Resale of produce is only allowed in these circumstances: Produced in Louisiana NOT currently being grown/sold locally at market. -At this time, only citrus and sweet potatoes have been approved for resale. Must be approved prior to market day

application $25 Application fee Must fill out entire application to be accepted (ask for help if you have questions) Must provide a sample (with label) of ALL value-added products Applications are reviewed by NLFF Executive Committee and Market Manager After being accepted we will notify you & set up a site visit Kitchen inspection for value-added goods Site visit for farmers/producers

Booth fees $20 per week for single booth $35 per week for double booth Booths must be purchased on a “monthly” or “seasonal” basis “Asparagus Exception” 20% discount if paying for entire season Only those who pay for Season are eligible to reserve specific location Forfeit 20% discount when you reserve a specific location See chart

SUMMER SEASON PASS- 17 weeks FALL SEASON PASS- 12 weeks Price chart SUMMER SEASON PASS- 17 weeks April 22 – August 12 Single Space Double Space 20% off $20 a week = $16 a week 20% off $35 a week = $28 a week Total: $272 $476 Reserved Space Price $340 $595   PER MARKET PRICING Month Weeks Single Space -$20 Double Space- $35 April/May 6 $120 $210 June 4 $80 $140 July/ Aug 7 $245 Sept/ Oct 5 $100 $175 Nov/ Dec FALL SEASON PASS- 12 weeks Sept 30 – Dec 16 Single Space Double Space 20% off $20 a week = $16 a week 20% off $35 a week = $28 a week Total: $192 $336 Reserved Space Price $240 $420

Sales tax Sales Tax Administrator Denise Griggs (318)-251-8624

State Programs Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) We accept SNAP cards via EBT. $1 wooden tokens dispensed for use at vendor booths. Market reimburses vendors at end of each market day. SNAP tokens can ONLY be used for produce, eggs, dairy products, jams, honey, meats, baked goods to be taken home, seeds and plants intended for growing food. DISPLAY “I ACCEPT SNAP” SIGN Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Redeemable for fresh produce only. Vendors can get State approval to accept SFMNP coupons: 985-345-9483 DISPLAY SFMNP SIGN

Market days SPRING/SUMMER: APRIL 22- AUG 12 FALL: SEPT 30- DEC 16 Market hours 8am-12pm Large loads & trailers arrive first Must be set up & READY by 7:30 No sales before 8am (except coffee for vendors & volunteers) MUST DISPLAY PRICING MUST HAVE SIGN WITH VENDOR NAME -Hang behind booth Moving spots IS NOT PERMITTED- exception of emergencies or catastrophic events DO NOT BREAK DOWN BEFORE 12PM Vendor is responsible for CLEANING AREA

-Produced in a home kitchen- WORLDS BEST PICKLES Sunny Hills Farm 000 Sun St. (000)-000-0000 Dubach, La Sunnyhillsfarm@gmail.com   Ingredients: Sunny Hills Cucumbers, sea salt, vinegar, all natural garlic, peppercorn, mustard seeds, dill seeds, cayenne pepper. -Produced in a home kitchen- 8oz. Labels Farm/Producer Name Farm/Producer Address/Contact Ingredients Weight or Volume All baked goods, candies, dried mixes, pickles and acidified foods, sauces, syrups, spices, jams, jellies, and preserves: “Not produced in a licensed or regulated facility” or “Produced in a home kitchen” if applicable Eggs must have the following: If not graded: “Unclassified eggs – Keep refrigerated below 41º”

Market yourself Highly suggest creating social media accounts for your business Happy to help! Engage customers = More Sales Promoting the market promotes YOU Consistency is key Customer feedback- “I wish more vendors took credit cards”

Market MANAGER Lauren Jennings (318)-957-1305 info@rustonfarmersmarket.org Ruston Farmers Market P.O. Box 13231 Ruston, La 71270