2010 Season

Time and Location:
The market will be held every Saturday (beginning June 5, 2010) during the growing season, from 7:30 a.m. until sell-out.  Vendors will set up in the Montezuma County Courthouse parking lot, 109 W. Main St., Cortez.

Vendors: Priority will be given to agricultural vendors.
Agricultural Producer:
All products must be grown by the vendor within Montezuma or Dolores Counties.  Agricultural producers may sell crafts or other (i.e. jams, baked goods, handcrafts, etc...) products as long as they do not exceed 10% of their total products.  If they want to sell more than 10% crafts or other products they must apply to the market committee prior to selling. An additional vendor fee may be required. 

Non-agricultural Producer:
Seven spaces for craft vendors are available.  New applications will be decided on a case-by-case basis by the standing market committee. The decision to issue a permit will be based on products to be sold, date the application is received and space availability.  Limited spaces will be made available for "other" (prepared foods, chair massage, coffee, etc.). Vendors will be accepted on a case-by-case basis and are subject to the discretion of the Standing Committee.

Non-profit Organizations:
Non-profit organizations can attend (as long as space is available) for free to promote their organization with literature and handouts.  No Politics and No Religion.  Non-profit organizations may apply for a vendor license and are subject to all the guidelines of non-agricultural producers.

Fees and License:

Cost of one (1) vendor space is $55 per market season, paid in full prior to selling.  Each permit will be subject to the guidelines for all vendors.  If a questions arises the Standing Committee will have the finally say on the issue.

Colorado State Extension office can/will sell vendor permits for current Market Members with any new vendor applications referred to the Standing Committee for consideration.

Health and Other Regulations:

All vendors are responsible to be in compliance with, and follow, the Health Code Regulations, licensing, tax regulations, as well as City and County regulations.  If weight scales are to be used the vendor must comply with the State Law regulating weights and measures.

All processed foods must be prepared in a Health Department licensed kitchen. 

Click here to view the Montezuma County Health Department's Farmers' Market Rules and Regulations.

Click to view a Colorado State University Extension guide to Food Safety for Farmers Market Vendors.

Live Animals:

NO LIVE ANIMALS WILL BE ALLOWED within the confines of the Farmers Market. Live animals cannot be sold or given away.  Leashed pets must remain outside of the Market area, with the exception of assistance dogs needed by patrons of the market.  Any questions regarding the policy should be referred to the Standing Committee.

Food Stamp Program:
All vendors selling food items are required to participate in the Farmers' Market Food Stamp Program by accepting this form of payment and attending a one time training session on the program.  Customers can now use their EBT or Debit card (we are not accepting credit cards at this time) to purchase Food Stamp Coupons or Market Bucks from the market cashier.  At the end of each market day vendors will take the coupons they have received to the market cashier who will mark down credit for each coupon, take care of accounting, and issue reimbursement checks (every two weeks).  All the coupons MUST be stamped with the Cortez Farmer's Market stamp.  If a vendor accepts a coupon that is incorrectly stamped they will not be reimbursed.

Food Stamp Coupons come in $1 denominations and can be used to purchase foods intended to be eaten at home and seeds and plants intended to grow food.  They cannot be used to purchase foods that are hot at point of sale, foods to be eaten at the market, or nonfood items (crafts, flowers, etc...)  No change can be given, and prices cannot be rounded up or otherwise increased.  Food Stamp customers cannot be treated any differently than any other customer.

Market Bucks come in $5 denominations and can be used to purchase anything at the market.  Change must be given.

Voting Membership:

A Vendor will be considered a voting member of the Cortez Farmer's Market after they have complete one (1) full season of the Market.

The Cortez Farmers Market Standing Committee can be contacted regarding the rules that govern the Committee.  If any questions or issues arise, please contact the Committee for consideration and resolutions.

NEW RULES FOR 2011 WILL BE PROPOSED AND CONSIDERED BY THE VOTING MEMBERS OF THE FARMERS MARKET

For more information contact:                            
CSU Cooperative Extension
Montezuma County Courthouse
109 West Main Street, Room 102
Cortez, CO 81321
(970) 565-3123
 

Home    Vendors    Regulations & More Info    Buy-Local Campaign    Photo Gallery