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The Village of Bellville and the Clear Fork Valley are blessed with a strong sense of community and a rich agricultural history. Inspired by, and to continue this heritage, the Bellville Farmers Market (BFM) was formed. To this end, the purpose of the BFM is to directly connect agricultural producers to consumers and to enhance the link between the farm and the kitchen table. This farmers market is dedicated to encourage and increase the production of small farmers and growers. To promote use of agriculture products, "Cottage food production" items are encouraged. The 2012 Bellville Farmers Market will be held each Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, May 19, 2012 until October 13, 2012. Vendors may not set up before 7:30 a.m. on the day of the market and must be ready to sell by 8:45 a.m. The market provides space for growers to sell their own "home grown" produce and plants, as well as cottage food production items made or packaged by the producers. Producers must arrive by 8:15 to retain their reserved location. All potential producers must have a permit signed, received, and accepted by a Farmers Market Advisory Committee Member by Tuesday of the week they would like to begin selling. It is important to verify that new producers understand market policy and had a garden inspection completed by Thursday of the week they plan to begin selling, if selling produce or plants. This Farmers Market is intended to support local growers and producers in Bellville and surrounding areas. It is not intended to be a re-sale market for produce, plants, or other items purchased elsewhere. All cottage food products must be made or packaged by the signed producer. All produce (fruit and vegetables) and plants must be grown by the producer. Producers need to submit all addresses where they will be growing their produce/plants. Producers may use another person's land only if produce/plants are being grown and cared for by the named producer. The Farmers Market Advisory Committee, with the assistance of fellow producers, will visit participating gardens/farms to validate accuracy of submitted information. This market will be following the guidelines of the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture and Ohio Revised Codes as it pertains to Cottage Foods Production and labeling. The market committee will prohibit a producer from selling a product at the market that does not comply with market policy or local, state, or federal regulations and certification or licensing requirements. This is necessary to ensure a safe product is being sold. Failure of the market to comply with these guidelines may lead to the market being shut down by the state. Producers wishing to sell canned goods (other than jam, jelly, honey or syrup), eggs, or other items that are potentially hazardous must show they have proper licensing or are certified by the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture. All guidelines for safe handling of such foods must be followed. This policy will be rigidly enforced to protect the integrity of the market. Samples may be given if safe handling procedures are followed. Organic farmers are encouraged to display their certification. Farmers may not sell under the "organic" name without this certification. All such claims must be verifiable. With acceptance into the market, every producer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Bellville Farmers Market, the Farmers Market Advisory Committee, the Village of Bellville, and any individuals associated with the operation of the market from any and all claims. Permits for space at the market are to be used for the signed producer's products only. Producers may not sell other peoples products from their space or allow another person to use their space. No two producers may share the same space, unless each has paid the set fee and signed a permit. A space can be reserved for the entire season. Spaces along the alley and parking lot will be reserved for an additional fee of $5.00, per space. Reserved spaces along the alley and parking lot will be assigned based on seniority first, then persons who have reserved this area in the past and/or who will be present for the larger portion of the market season. The market committee reserves the right to change market policy at any time to improve the market or deal with any problem or concern that may come up. Producer signature will be obtained showing the producer has read and understands any changes in market policy. Producers must: Label all items which fall under Cottage Food Production guidelines with your name, address, ingredients in descending order by weight, net weight or volume of product, and state in 10 pt. type "This product is home produced". Check the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture, Food Safety Division website to verify items which may be sold as a Cottage Food Product, and to review licensing and certification requirements. Agree to sell produce/plants that are 100% grown by you, which will be verified by the BFM advisory committee and /or other active producers, via a garden inspection Thursdays prior to setup. Failure to comply with the home grown policy will ban producer from all future markets. Keep their space clean during market hours and remove all boxes, bags, leftover products, and trash at the end of the market. Vehicles may be parked on the lawn, if ground isn't soggy. Notify a market committee member if someone else will be selling "your" product on a market day. This person will be required to sign a liability waiver. Producers are encouraged to obtain their own insurance against all liabilities. The Market Advisory Committee expects producers to read this agreement and verify Ohio Dept. of Agriculture Rules and Ohio Revised Codes as it pertains to the selling of market items, before signing. Any enhancements, suggestions, and ideas are greatly appreciated. The Bellville Farmers Market Advisory Chairman and committee have the right to refuse space, without refund, to any producer who violates this agreement. Thank you for your interest and support.
We are looking forward to another great season! bellvillefarmersmarket@yahoo.com Receipts will be issued upon payment. Checks made out to: Cindy L. Shasky, BFM chairman --- 2583
Possum Run Rd., Mansfield, OH 44903 Bellville Farmers Market Permit Application Bellville Farmers Market Garden Inspection Letter Bellville Farmers Market Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Sheet |