Market Rules & Regulations

Howard County Farmers' Market

Rules & Regulations of the Market

1. The Howard County Farmers' Market will be open to vendors who grow produce, create  farm products or make handcrafted goods within 75 miles of the City of Nashville, Arkansas and agree to comply with the rules and regulations of the Market. The Market is governed by an Overseers' Committee and ByLaws.
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2. Vendor Qualifications

A. The term “vendor” includes growers, artisans, and other individuals approved to sell handmade, homegrown or value-added products at the Market.

B. Each vendor shall complete a Vendor Registration Form, provided by the Market, annually. Confirmation that products are grown, produced, or made by the vendor may be required prior to approval.

C. Vendor Registration Forms must be submitted and approved based on these rules and regulations prior to bringing products to the Market. An exception may be made one (1) time, at the discretion of the Market Manager, to allow a vendor bringing products prior to being approved; however, said vendor must complete the registration form and pay the required fees.

D. In order to protect the Market and all vendors, it may be necessary to confirm that products being sold at the Market are produced or made by the vendor and not purchased elsewhere for resale. Therefore, each vendor agrees to random visits that may be made to confirm the origin of the products. Inspections will be made by the Market Manager or a representative appointed by the Overseers Committee.
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3. General Regulations

A. ABSOLUTELY NO BROKERS ("PEDDLERS") WILL BE PERMITTED TO SELL AT THE MARKETS.

B. IF WE DON'T GROW IT OR MAKE IT, WE DON'T SELL IT. All products sold at the Market must be grown, produced, or handcrafted by an approved vendor. However, an approved vendor may be represented at the Market by a family member or an authorized representative as described below.

C. Family members will be defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brothers and sisters, grandparents, grandchildren, nieces or nephews. Family members do not have to be "authorized" on the Vendor Registration Form. The family member is only authorized to sell products of the registered vendor from the location defined in the application.

D. Any vendor may choose to have an authorized representative/employee sell for them at the Market. Anyone other than the vendor or family member as described in Section C of General Regulations above must be authorized on the Vendor Registration Form. This authorization may be made at the time of the initial registration or at a later date. The authorized representative/employee is only authorized to sell products of the registered vendor from the location defined in the application.

E. The market year will begin January 1st and end December 31st.

F. Vendors may participate in the Market for the entire season for a single fee of $150.00. 

G. All daily rents will be paid at the rate of $10.00 per day.

H. The Market will be open as products are available, May through September, on Fridays from 7am to 11am or until a vendor is sold out. The market may open earlier than May or later than September based on the availability of products and vendors. Vendors agree to remain at the Market until the advertised closing time unless they sell out of product before that time.

I. Vendors will be assigned space at each Market by the Market Manager. If possible a set space may be assigned for each vendor, but spaces may be reassigned if necessary based on market conditions.

J. Scales used at the Market will be for estimating purposes only and produce may be sold by container at the option of the grower. Produce may not be sold by weight (e.g. by the pound). Any vendor choosing  to use a scale at the Market, whether on their table or in their vehicle, must post a notice that the produce is not for sale by weight and that the scale is for estimating purposes only.

K. The following will not be allowed on the premises of the Market except as noted:

1. Smoking is not allowed where produce is sold

2. Disorderly conduct

3. Alcoholic beverages

4. Illegal drugs or other controlled substances

5. Profanity

6. Riding bicycles or motorcycles except on driveways

7. Loud music or other sound generation

8. Animals (with the exception of service animals) will not be allowed where produce is sold. This is in compliance with Arkansas Health Department rules.

9. The sale, auction, trade, or giveaway of live animals/livestock.
   
   

L. Prices for all produce/items sold will be posted by the vendor.

M. Price fixing in the Market will not be allowed. Vendors are allowed to set any prices they wish for the sale of their products. No vendor is to bully, criticize or in any way intimidate any other vendor for their prices. Violation of this rule may result in immediate suspension of a vendor from the Market.
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4. Marketing/Image

A. Any approved vendor may take out ads utilizing the logos of the Market to advertise their product. The only stipulation is that the logo will be smaller so it is clear that the market is not advertising or endorsing any single vendor.

B. Vendors will be responsible, and expected to satisfy any customer complaints regarding their products by either replacement or refund.

C. All produce is to be clean and displayed in an attractive, inviting manner.

D. Each vendor will be responsible for maintaining a clean booth and will leave their site clean on departure each day.

E. No product or trash shall be left on the premises. Please use the provided trash receptacles, if necessary.
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5. Sponsor Conduct

A.   The term “sponsor” includes businesses, organizations, or individuals that contribute monetary or in-kind support to the Market.

B.   Sponsors shall treat vendors, customers, market staff, and other sponsors with respect and professionalism at all times.

C.   Sponsors shall not interfere with the sale or display of vendor products, nor engage in behavior that disrupts the operation of the Market.

D.   Sponsors may not sell products or services while participating at the Market. Sponsors are present to promote their organization or services only. Giveaways, prize drawings, or informational materials are permitted.

E.   Sponsors may not use their sponsorship as a platform to engage in any activity that could be reasonably considered disruptive or divisive, at the discretion of the Market Manager and Overseers Committee.

F.   All sponsor booth displays, signage, and promotional materials must be approved by the Market Manager prior to the event day and must align with the values and family-friendly environment of the Market.

G.   Sponsors who attend the Market in person must follow all general Market rules applicable to behavior and booth management, including regulations around conduct, noise levels, and cleanliness.

H.   Any sponsor found in violation of these expectations may be subject to corrective action, including revocation of booth privileges or removal of sponsorship recognition, at the discretion of the Market Manager and Overseers Committee.
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6. Management

A. The Overseers Committee of the Market will provide final general oversight of the market and appoint their Market Manager annually.

B. The Market Manager will be responsible for resolving disputes and providing interpretations of the Market's rules as well as day-to-day operations of the Market. Disputes may be appealed to the Overseers Committee of the Market which will be the final authority.

C. The Market Manager may appoint a Day Manager to assist in day-to-day management of the Market. The Market Manager shall train and provide general oversight of the Day Manager.

D. A signed copy (physical or electronic) of the Vendor Registration Form (to serve as an agreement of the rules of the Market) will be maintained by the Market Manager and the Overseers Committee. Access to the rules and regulations will be provided to the grower at the time of registration.
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7. Violation of Regulations

A. Unless stated otherwise, the first violation of these regulations will result in a verbal warning from the Market Manager.

B. The second violation will result in a letter of reprimand from the Market Manager.

C. The third violation may result in suspension from selling at the Market. Vendors have the right to appeal to the Overseers Committee.
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8. THE MARKET RESERVES THE RIGHT TO AMEND THE ABOVE RULES AND REGULATIONS AT ANY TIME.