| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| JennyWren |
Posted - Apr 03 2006 : 12:05:52 PM
I have read through nearly all of the great ideas everyone had! I commend you all for such incredibly wonderful creativity!
I would love to know how you got started? What regulations you have to deal with? How much you have to take with you to sell? What is your favorite thing about doing this?
My daughter and I are thinking seriously about doing something like this. We need to generate some extra income... and would appreciate any encouragement.
Take care!
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Love-in-a-Mist |
Posted - Feb 16 2007 : 2:33:33 PM
My mother-in-law and I started last year. As soon as you talk to the people who runs yours they will have everything you need and all the rules and regs. Some have stricter rules than others, but I think it depends on the people running it. Don't let it intimidate you. We started later last year so we could scope all the booths out and see what we should do. As soon as we got over being chickens and actually started it was alot of fun.
Some things we learned: Weekends after payday, specially the beginning of the month we sold alot more. We made sure to bring more stuff on those days.
You never know who is going to come along and want just exactly what you have so put everything out, even if you are not sure if it will sell.
And the people who sold produce sold tons of it. We had a little bit of everything.
Something that we didn't think would sell, but went fast was bagged up tried rose petals. Go figure.
Farmgirl and mother of 2 |
| PocketFarmgirl |
Posted - Feb 12 2007 : 3:55:19 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Mari-dahlia
In NY state they subsidize the insurance. The market pays insurance for the spectators but not for you. You will need your own insurance for general liability and one for product liability. In NY you can purchase this through the state or you can tack it on to your homeowners or farm insurance.
Mari-dahlia, generally speaking, how much do you find this runs? I'm about to contact my closest farmer's market and possibly one other. I can get a quote from my agent, but a ballpark would be really helpful. |
| MullersLaneFarm |
Posted - Apr 19 2006 : 11:15:31 AM
Carla, check with the county health department AND the state health department if you will be selling foodstuffs.
In IL we can sell fresh (uncut) produce with only having it displayed at least 12" from the ground and sitting on something (tablecloth is fine, a bare table is not.
We can sell baked goods (breads, cookies, candies, pies, etc) as long as they are not custards.
Each farmer's market is different and will have it's own rules. The towns I live by (just across the river from each other) each has their own farmer's market. The county health department checks in regularly at the indoor market (because they know we have meat sales) but doesn't regulate the outdoor market a few blocks away (even though there are sales of eggs, butter, jams & jellies - all which are suppose to be regulated. The indoor market has a governing body with rules & booth fees. The outdoor market (although there are regular vendors) has no governing body and anyone can set up a place.
Cyndi
Say NO! to National Animal ID
http://www.NoNAIS.org
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Illinois_Against_NAIS
Joshua 24:15
Muller's Lane Farm
http://www.mullerslanefarm.com
|
| JennyWren |
Posted - Apr 18 2006 : 10:52:13 AM
That is wonderful!
I would be so very happy to be out of Milwaukee County. I am 100% everything has to be regulated here. It just drives me nuts all of the unnecessary stress Milwaukee has.
Thank you for sharing this info with me!
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
| celebrate2727 |
Posted - Apr 18 2006 : 10:28:07 AM
Carla-
I just checked with the market in Polk County Wisconsin which is where I sell my stuff. They do not require anything as far as a license unless you sell prepared foods like a hamburger stand etc. Since I do not I will be ok without any. Each county is different but I just called the County office and thats what they told me
blessings
beth
Dreaming of Friday Night Lights
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| JennyWren |
Posted - Apr 17 2006 : 11:07:04 PM
Hi..
Sorry it has taken me so long to reply! I missed this one! Yes.. Marianna and I will be working on this project together. Your suggestion about looking into taking WIC vouchers was a really good one! We are also working on a CSA farm so that we learn the ropes as we go. We are both really looking forward to do this.
Let me know how your project goes...
Take care,
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
| Lovin Life |
Posted - Apr 11 2006 : 7:27:52 PM
Carla,
I will also be starting out selling at farmer's markets this summer. I am curious as to whether people sell herbs as potted plants or cut and bunched with elastic or in bags. I am only planning on selling basil, sage and borage, for herbs and the usual veggies. Just wondering how most people sell theirs and what's popular and attractive in the booths. My daughter will be coming with me too! How old is your daughter?
As far as regulations, all I wanted to do was make sure I was insured for product liability. I also signed up with the state to take an intro class on accepting WIC vouchers at the farmer's markets. I'm not planning on selling any "cooked" or canned stuff this year, so didn't have to get a licensed kitchen.
Try going to your state's Department of Agriculture for information on farms and markets. They should have people and/or booklets there to give you what you need as far as regs. in your area.
I'm looking forward to it and trying not to get too nervous about it. Let me know how it goes.
I'd rather live my life with a "full plate" than an empty one. Life is not a rehearsal... eat up! |
| hammondfarm |
Posted - Apr 11 2006 : 10:47:59 AM
Utah - regulations
Utah
Raw milk sales are legal. Sales must be on the farm to the final consumer. Producers must obtain a permit from the Department of Agriculture. State law requires producers to bottle the milk on the premises where produced and to label each bottle "raw milk." Farmers cannot sell raw milk products except for block cheese that has been produced according to federal specifications. Farmers can sell the block cheese on the farm, in retail stores or for wholesale distribution.
There are currently four licensed raw milk farmers, two selling cows milk and two selling goats milk.
For more information on your state go to: realmilk.com
Best Regards,
Julie
Hammond Farm
www.hammondfarm.com
People Tested Goat Approved, tm |
| hammondfarm |
Posted - Apr 11 2006 : 10:39:55 AM
Also look at Market Days in addition to Farmers Markets.
Each have their own rules. Market Days will allow a more variety of products not just
farm products.
Best Regards,
Julie
Hammond Farm
www.hammondfarm.com
People Tested Goat Approved, tm |
| hammondfarm |
Posted - Apr 11 2006 : 10:37:18 AM
I forgot one thing, your license must be posted in your booth at your farmers market or you will get fined. One lady got a $2000.00 fine.
So, get your license first.
Best Regards,
Julie
Hammond Farm
www.hammondfarm.com
People Tested Goat Approved, tm |
| hammondfarm |
Posted - Apr 11 2006 : 10:36:00 AM
you can get certified with a commercial kitchen. However make sure that you get with your state dairy inspector first as they must approve everything.
Best Regards,
Julie
Hammond Farm
www.hammondfarm.com
People Tested Goat Approved, tm |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Apr 05 2006 : 8:45:48 PM
Nope..the cheese is from Mona, my cow's milk. I did make cheese a few times with goats milk before I got Mona..back when I had dairy goats and that was fun too. I have a couple books I like with cheese recipes. One is actually written for goats milk cheese..but works for cow's milk cheese too...called "Goats Produce Too". I got my favorite ricotta recipe there.
I really want to check into the commercial kitchen thing...chuch, senior citizen center are both close by and both great ideas.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Lovin Life |
Posted - Apr 05 2006 : 7:04:59 PM
Hi Jenny,
Have you checked into whether a local church would allow you to use their kitchen? I know years ago, my mother was going to make pork pies and our church was going to let her use the kitchen for free.
I'm not sure what sort of community you live in, re: services available, but maybe a senior center, community center would also be willing to let you use their kitchen to make cheese, maybe in trade for providing them some fresh cheese for their functions.
I don't know for sure, these are just some suggestions that sound like they'd be a little cheaper than renting one.
In NH anyway, you can make dog biscuits, soap, teas and dry dip mixes to sell without needing a licensed kitchen. But once you add dairy, or fresh vegetables to the mixture it's a different story. But I know that some people sell bread and stuff at farmer's markets without being licensed. Me.. I'd be too worried about being the "one" person that gets visited by the dept. of Markets and Foods with a whole table full of muffins, jellies, etc..
Let us know what you decide to do. BTW, would your cheese be from your goat milk? I'd love to try that once my goats start producing.
I'd rather live my life with a "full plate" than an empty one. Life is not a rehearsal... eat up! |
| JennyWren |
Posted - Apr 04 2006 : 4:12:54 PM
Hi Jenny!
First I want to thank you for all of the great advice you have.. I am convinced you are a walking encyclopedia when it comes to all of this stuff! I enjoy reading your postings/blog.
I would bet your mozzerella and ricotta would sell! To me.. If I could make enough money to support my "farm girl habits" I would be thrilled. I would definitely encourage you to check into it. I think you would have fun doing it too.
Take care,
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Apr 04 2006 : 3:24:50 PM
I wish we had a close by farmer;s market..would love to sell cheese. I am going to look into what I need to do to sell on a small basis from home. I do think I would have to rent the commercial kitchen for making the batches of cheese, however...I guess I would have to see if it was cost effective to do that for smallish batches I would make.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| JennyWren |
Posted - Apr 04 2006 : 3:19:07 PM
That makes sense. The rules keep things pure so to speak. I like that. Aunt Jenny said in one of the threads I read that people rent out kitchens that are certified, I am sure that I would do that. As I would want to keep things as close to the up and up as humanly possible. I would really enjoy this, I enjoy meeting people too.. that would be a wonderful side benefit, and whatever I didn't sell I would probably donate to a women's shelter or something along those lines.
Take care,
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
| Mari-dahlia |
Posted - Apr 04 2006 : 04:13:49 AM
In our farmer's market, you can bring the homemade bath stuff and candles if you are producing the materials used to make the product and the product itself. For instance, If the candles are beeswax and you have the bees and also produced the candle. Alot of people share farm products, so if you are buying your beeswax from a local farmer and then making the candles they would let you participate also.
They are trying to avoid people who are professional flea market people from getting into the Farmer's market. There are people who take a truck and collect stuff or go into the cities market, buy produce and then just sell it a the farmer's market as their own. I guess we are trying to be purist in that we want the farmer to have actually grown and produced the product.
The crafters allowed to participate can not out number the farmers with produce, so we also have to be 70% produce.
You can sell homebaked goods and you are supposed to have your kitchen inspected but we do not inspect the certification this is on the honor system, the same with a tax ID number. You don't need one for food but you do for non -food products and we don't police that either. It is already enough paperwork for the people who run things and with all of the insurance stuff we choose not to get involved in the rest. OUt here everyone knows everyone anyway.
When I lived in FL I participated in large craft shows and they had no regulations. It was 10 dollars and you were in.
Marianne |
| JennyWren |
Posted - Apr 03 2006 : 1:16:08 PM
Hi...
We for sure want to do everything by the book. I appreciate the advice.
Do different Farmer's Markets have regulations about what can be sold? For instance whether or not you can sell homebaked goods? I understand I would have to rent a state certified kitchen for this.
What about bubble baths, candles? That is more of a Flea Market type thing ? Or is it?
Thank you for your patience in answering my questions!
Take care,
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
| Mari-dahlia |
Posted - Apr 03 2006 : 12:47:56 PM
hi Carla,
I should be getting my organic certification this year and I have just taken over the running of the local farmer's market. To participate in the Farmers market first you need who is running the one you want to participate in and that you can find out from the town that has the market.
Each state sponsors their markets differently.In NY state they subsidize the insurance. The market pays insurance for the spectators but not for you. You will need your own insurance for general liability and one for product liability. In NY you can purchase this through the state or you can tack it on to your homeowners or farm insurance. Your fee for your participation in the market offsets their expense for their insurance. Most farmer's market charge 10-20 dollars for your space.
In NY FArmers markets have to be 70% grown or produced or made with product that you are responsible for. Flea markets are run separately and are under different rules.
On the organic side of things, you can call yourself organic if you sell less than 5000 dollars worth of product a year and not have to go through any paperwork or any fees. This is totally on your honor. If you think you will sell more than that you need to fill out the paperwork and pay a filing fee and get legally certified. |
| celebrate2727 |
Posted - Apr 03 2006 : 12:26:12 PM
Carla-
I sell at the local flea market/ farmers market in Wisconsin. I have not run into many issues as far as selling things. However, I have not sold "organic" food before. So if this is something you want to do, check with the county extension office and see what the regulations are. I love the flea markets. I get up early and meet awesome people, then I can stay as long as I like. Sometimes I'm there all day, others I leave around noon. I haul all my kids with me and they love it. They are learning to barter for things they want. Wisconsin has a website with all the flea markets and farmers markets. Find one that you want to go to and call them to see what they require.
blessings
beth
Dreaming of Friday Night Lights
|
