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Farmers Markets
Farmers Markets
Farmers markets, farm markets and individual sellers of fruits and vegetables at roadside stands are commonly found throughout Michigan. Farmers markets range from well-established operations in permanent structures to temporary sites using folding tables or truck tailgates. A vibrant entrepreneurial agriculture industry that is focusing on value added processing and sales has greatly increased the numbers of markets such as these in Michigan.
All markets must be established in accordance with local ordinance and operated in compliance with Act No. 92, the Michigan Food Law.
What is a Farmers Market?
- Farmers Market - A location where farmers may transport and sell to the public fruits, vegetables or other agricultural products. Farmers market vendors may operate intermittently but for licensing purposes will be considered a permanent operation.
- Farm Market - An on-farm location where an individual farmer may sell to the public fruits, vegetables or other agricultural products. On-farm markets may operate intermittently but for licensing purposes will be considered a permanent operation.
- Roadside Stand - A temporary operation where an individual farmer may transport and sell to the public fruits, vegetables or other agricultural products.
Who Needs a License at a Farmers Market?
Almost anyone processing or selling food or drink to the public at a farmers market needs a license.
Existing Michigan food establishment licenses extend to the market.
On-site licenses are needed for demos, processing, and certain other vendors.
Learn more about licenses and exemptions for Farmers Markets.
- Farmers Market FAQ
- Farmers Market Food Licensing Guide: Who needs a license and what are the exemptions from licensing at a farmers market?
- Farmers Market Food Establishment Plan Review Submission Information: build, remodel or design a space for cooking demonstrations at a farmers market
- Food Licenses: Need a food license? Here are a list of the types of food licenses available, from food trucks to food service.
- Michigan Cottage Food: exemptions from Michigan Food Law: sell home-made food from your home kitchen as a small-scale producer
- On-Site Preparation Guidance Memo
- Guidelines for Providing Safe Food Samples at Farmers Markets