1. 2017 Vendors meeting

2. Brief History
Started in 2008 by a few interested individuals who wanted fresher produce and a connection with the farmers
Incorporated as North Louisiana Farm Fresh (NLFF) in NLFF manages the market.
NLFF received nonprofit (501(c)3) designation in 2014
CEA with City of Ruston in 2015 to occupy old warehouse
All volunteer-run organization. 1st paid market manager in Fall of 2015

3. Mission
The mission of Ruston Farmers Market is to provide a dedicated space for the development of a sustainable food system that allows Louisiana vendors to sell their goods, and community members to directly purchase local and wholesome products.
GOALS
Provide a direct-sales venue for regional farmers, growers, producers of local value-added products, artists, and craftspeople.
Create a safe and welcoming gathering place in downtown Ruston in service of the community and local businesses.
Educate the community on the benefits of eating fresh, local produce and supporting regional agriculture & sustainable food systems.

4. Vendor Eligibility
Any person or group growing or creating within the State of Louisiana
Includes all family and employees of the vendor.
We are NOT a resale market.
NO resale of craft/art items or value-added products.
Resale of produce is only allowed in these circumstances:
Produced in Louisiana
NOT currently being grown/sold locally at market.
-At this time, only citrus and sweet potatoes have been approved for resale.
Must be approved prior to market day

5. application $25 Application fee
Must fill out entire application to be accepted (ask for help if you have questions)
Must provide a sample (with label) of ALL value-added products
Applications are reviewed by NLFF Executive Committee and Market Manager
After being accepted we will notify you & set up a site visit
Kitchen inspection for value-added goods
Site visit for farmers/producers

7. Booth fees $20 per week for single booth $35 per week for double booth
Booths must be purchased on a “monthly” or “seasonal” basis
“Asparagus Exception”
20% discount if paying for entire season
Only those who pay for Season are eligible to reserve specific location
Forfeit 20% discount when you reserve a specific location
See chart

8. SUMMER SEASON PASS- 17 weeks FALL SEASON PASS- 12 weeks
Price chart
SUMMER SEASON PASS- 17 weeks
April 22 – August 12
Single Space
Double Space
20% off $20 a week = $16 a week
20% off $35 a week = $28 a week
Total:
$272
$476
Reserved Space Price
$340
$595
PER MARKET PRICING
Month
Weeks
Single Space -$20
Double Space- $35
April/May 6
$120
$210
June 4
$80
$140
July/
Aug 7
$245
Sept/
Oct 5
$100
$175
Nov/
Dec
FALL SEASON PASS- 12 weeks
Sept 30 – Dec 16
Single Space
Double Space
20% off $20 a week = $16 a week
20% off $35 a week = $28 a week
Total:
$192
$336
Reserved Space Price
$240
$420

9. Sales tax
Sales Tax Administrator
Denise Griggs
(318)

10. State Programs Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
We accept SNAP cards via EBT. $1 wooden tokens dispensed for use at vendor booths.
Market reimburses vendors at end of each market day.
SNAP tokens can ONLY be used for produce, eggs, dairy products, jams, honey, meats, baked goods to be taken home, seeds and plants intended for growing food.
DISPLAY “I ACCEPT SNAP” SIGN
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Redeemable for fresh produce only.
Vendors can get State approval to accept SFMNP coupons:
DISPLAY SFMNP SIGN

11. Market days SPRING/SUMMER: APRIL 22- AUG 12 FALL: SEPT 30- DEC 16
Market hours 8am-12pm
Large loads & trailers arrive first
Must be set up & READY by 7:30
No sales before 8am (except coffee for vendors & volunteers)
MUST DISPLAY PRICING
MUST HAVE SIGN WITH VENDOR NAME
-Hang behind booth
Moving spots IS NOT PERMITTED- exception of emergencies or catastrophic events
DO NOT BREAK DOWN BEFORE 12PM
Vendor is responsible for CLEANING AREA

12. -Produced in a home kitchen-
WORLDS BEST PICKLES
Sunny Hills Farm
000 Sun St (000)
Dubach, La
Ingredients: Sunny Hills Cucumbers, sea salt, vinegar, all natural garlic, peppercorn, mustard seeds, dill seeds, cayenne pepper.
-Produced in a home kitchen-
8oz.
Labels
Farm/Producer Name
Farm/Producer Address/Contact
Ingredients
Weight or Volume
All baked goods, candies, dried mixes, pickles and acidified foods, sauces, syrups, spices, jams, jellies, and preserves:
“Not produced in a licensed or regulated facility” or “Produced in a home kitchen” if applicable
Eggs must have the following:
If not graded: “Unclassified eggs – Keep refrigerated below 41º”

13. Market yourself
Highly suggest creating social media accounts for your business
Happy to help!
Engage customers = More Sales
Promoting the market promotes YOU
Consistency is key
Customer feedback- “I wish more vendors took credit cards”

14. Market MANAGER Lauren Jennings (318)-957-1305
Ruston Farmers Market
P.O. Box 13231
Ruston, La
71270