Local Food Matters envisions a thriving and resilient food system in Golden and Area.  We work to support local food producers,  increase access to local food, and to educate & empower the community on issues of food security. 

As new operators of the Golden Farmers Market our goal is to create a vibrant, bustling community hub in which vendor small businesses thrive and community members come together around food and art.

The Golden Farmers Market is supported by a dedicated group of community members that make up our Farmers Market Advisory Committee. This Committee is made up of food and non-food vendors, community members, and  Local Food Matters representatives who help guide our market and policies so they best support our community.

FEES & PAYMENT

• Annual Local Food Matters Vendor Membership: $15

• Summer Market Day Rates: $30 non-vehicle stall | $35 vehicle stall

• Market Seasonal Rates (16 markets): $450 non-vehicle stall | $525 vehicle stall

• Seasonal vendors receive one market free

• Bi-weekly Vendor (8 markets): $240 non-vehicle stall | $280 vehicle stall

• A vendor may choose to attend every other market and is not required to find a matching biweekly vendor to share their stall space.

• Additional dates can be purchased for the day rate.

• Payment is due upon receipt of electronic invoice. A vendor stall is not reserved until payment is received.

CANCELLATION

• In the case that a vendor must cancel a Market, it is important that as much notice as possible be given to the Market Manager so that their stall may be filled.  Empty stalls greatly diminish the ambiance of the market and negatively impact fellow vendors and the Market itself.

• Cancellations made at least 7 days prior to Market date are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.  Cancellations made within 7 days of the Market date are non-refundable.  Seasonal stalls are non-refundable. Exceptions to the above may be given in extenuating circumstances.

• Cancellations without notice (i.e. no-shows) will be subject to a Notice of Non-Compliance.

INSURANCE

• It is required that vendors carry their own liability insurance as the Local Food Matters insurance DOES NOT cover individual vendors or customers who become ill or injured at a vendor stall or from a vendor product

• Local Food Matters insurance DOES NOT cover damages to vendor stalls or damage caused by vendor stalls. (ie. a tent blowing over and damaging vendor products)

• Vendors must provide proof of insurance upon application with Local Food Matters and the Town of Golden listed as additional insured.

• Vendors can purchase affordable vendor insurance via https://duuo.ca/vendor-insurance/

VENDOR SELECTION

• Vendors must Make, Bake or Grow within BC. Farmers and Food Vendors may be from BC & AB according to the BCAFM policy and regulations

• Priority at our Market is given to vendors from Golden & Area A / Brisco.

• Space is limited at our location. A waiting list will be compiled for busy markets.

• All vendors must be personally and actively involved in the production of the items for sale at the market and be present during Market hours.

• The Market also accepts vendor applications from not-for-profit and educational organizations.

• No religious groups or political groups will be accepted into the Market

• All vendors must have a current Town of Golden Business License and have it at their stall during each market. Bylaw officers will check periodically. This includes casual or occasional vendors. https://www.golden.ca/business-development/business-licences

• Food vendors must follow the guidelines outlined by the BC Centre for Disease Control Guideline for the Sale of Foods at Temporary Food Markets

• Vendors selling Higher Risk Foods must provide a Letter of Confirmation from the local Health Authority or Permit/License to operate and current FOODSAFE Level 1 certificate

• It is strongly recommended that vendors selling Lower Risk Foods complete the MarketSafe food handlers’ training program or other approved food safety training program such as FOODSAFE Level 1 

PRODUCT SELECTION

• The Farmers Market Advisory Committee will have final approval of product eligibility and the Market Manager may request removal of products for sale

• All products for sale need to meet the laws, regulations, and rules as specified by Federal, Provincial and Municipal bodies, local health authorities, Health Canada, the Golden Farmers Market, and the certifying body the Vendor belongs to. It is the Vendor’s responsibility to know and comply with the Provincial and Federal requirements.

Farm & Wild Harvest

• Priority at the Golden Farmers Market will be given to primary farm producers who grow, raise or forage their products

Baked Goods & Prepared Food Service

• Food vendors are required to provide a list on their application of foods to be sold. Vendors are encouraged to source ingredients within BC. Priority is given to makers who use local ingredients.

• Baked goods must be made from scratch and an ingredient list be available to
  Customers.

Alcohol Producers

• All alcohol must be of BC origin and bottled in BC

• Vendors must apply to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) for a market authorization and submit a copy to the market manager 

• In alignment with the BC Liquor Control Act, alcohol can only be sold or sampled to those 19 years or older and sold for off-site consumption only

• Staff offering samples at the market must have Serving It Right certification and be over 19 years of age

• Sampling must take place at the vendors booth, market-goers should not be allowed to remove samples from the booth and walk around the market

Artisan & Craft

• All crafts must be handmade by the vendor.

•  The source of materials for craft products must be listed on the market application.

• Craft items must have been created, sewn, constructed, or otherwise fashioned from materials that have been significantly altered in a way that makes the item unique. The Market Manager may request detailed information on the production process and/or request workshop site visits.

• No imported crafts or items from outside BC are permitted..

• Artists may sell reproductions of their own original creation.

Herbal Products & Cosmetics

• Vendors must note on the application the ingredients that are of BC origin.

• All cosmetics are subject to the requirements of the Consumer Packaging and Labeling Act and Regulations.

• When making any health claims it is the vendor’s responsibility to comply with the Food and Drug Act as well as the Cosmetic Regulations.

• The market manager can request to see the Cosmetic Number as proof that you have completed the Cosmetic Notice Form.

Non-Profits & Community Groups

• The Market will consider applications from groups performing outreach or providing information that in some way contributes to the environmental, social or cultural health of the community.

• Community groups are expected to show up on time and stay for the entire duration of the market.

LIVE MUSIC 

• The market manager will schedule approved artists into time slots and market days, and inform the artists of their scheduled play time.

• Musicians will be scheduled, with two time slots available per market: 10:00am -12:30pm & 12:30pm 3pm. There will be one performer playing at a time.

• Musicians may collect tips from market-goers.

• Musicians must bring all of their own music equipment. The market can provide speakers and a tent.

MARKET DAY CONDUCT

• A Market stall space is 10’x10’

• Vendors must bring adequate weights for tents regardless of weather and provide any other safety measures to ensure all items are properly secured in case of inclement weather.

• Vendors must arrive no more than 2 hours and not less than 30 minutes prior to Market opening to set up their stalls.

• Vehicles other than those permitted at vehicle stalls must be removed from the Market site no less than 20 minutes prior to opening time at 10am

• Selling prior to opening time at 10am is not permitted

• Vendors are not permitted to break down their stall prior to Market closing at 3pm. If products have sold out, vendors may put up a “Sold Out” sign and move off site until the end of Market open hours.

• Vehicles may not be moved onto the Market site prior to 15 minutes after closing time

• Vendors must remove all garbage and other visible signs from their stall by one hour after official closing of Market day

• All vendors that provide food service materials such as plates, cups, utensils and sampling cups must provide garbage/recycling containers for customers' use. All waste must be removed by the vendor at the end of the market.

VENDOR CONDUCT

• The Golden Farmers Market is committed to providing and maintaining a collegial and inclusive environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. It is expected that all contact between vendors, the public, and others be respectful, professional and courteous at all times.

• The Golden Farmers Market is a place of business and a public forum. Polite professional behaviour, as well as, fair and honest business practices are expected.

• Complaints about other vendors, their products, pricing issues or the operation of the Market etc. are to be given via email to the Market Manager. Critical or negative comments about the Market or fellow vendors does not align with the professional behaviour expected at the market.

• Smoking is not allowed by vendors in the market area, they must remove themselves off site

• Alcohol in any form is not permitted within the markets area, unless supplied by our Liquor Vendors for sale and sampling.

• Pets are not allowed on Market day. 

NOTICE OF NON-COMPLIANCE AND DISMISSAL FROM MARKET

• In the case of violation of the above policies, the Golden Farmers Market will issue a verbal statement to the violator and/or a Notice of Non-Compliance via email. Should contravention continue or be repeated, Golden Farmers Market reserves the right to revoke vending privileges.