The Hope Farmer’s Market had their annual vendor’s meeting at Hempstead Hall on Monday morning (2-26). Topics included the regulations for packaged items which might include address and/or phone number of the vendor.  Carolyn Spenser, a vendor who sells baked goods at the market, spoke on these regulations.

Stacy Womack, who sells fresh grass-fed beef at the Farmer’s Market spoke on the requirement of a USDA seal and said the state has started a new system in which they can certify the meat. The state inspection has to meet or exceed USDA regulations.  Womack also spoke on flowers and other potted plants saying they must be in a potting mix rather than soil from the farm in order to limit the spread of disease.

Dana Silvey spoke on fresh produce at the market saying it cannot be processed in any way. An example is that carrots need the tops in place. The produce should be picked as close to market as possible. Ice can help keep them fresh if picked the day before.  Potatoes are better if not washed. Vendors are encouraged to bring their best to the market. Produce cannot be marketed as being sold by the pound without certified scales. The scales can be certified by the state. Vendors were encouraged not to purposefully undercut other vendors.

Deanna Gilbert stated the venders were doing a good job and that it is hard work growing produce and making a living at it. The Farmer’s Market will start on the first Tuesday morning in May. This year, there is a plan to have two Thursday afternoon markets from 4-7pm.  It was noted these are popular and not everyone can make it to the morning ones.   Customers really enjoy  being able to bring the produce directly home. For vendors who want to sell on other days of the week they were encouraged to let Gilbert know as the city takes priority.

For the opening day the vendors will do the hospitality table.  There only needs to be samples and they should be individually wrapped.

This year Emmett is also planning to do a Thursday morning market.

At the end of the meeting vendors were given the opportunity to pay the yearly dues.

During the meeting Kim Rowe brought up a High Tunnel Workshop  at the Southwest Research and Extension Center on March 21st from 9-4 PM.