DOYLESTOWN FARMERS’ MARKET CONTRACT RULES

 2011 SEASON

(3 PAGES)  

The Doylestown Farmers’ Market is sponsored by the Buckingham Township Civic Association, who established the market to support local farmers and growers by providing an outlet for their products.  It is our hope, that with your cooperation, we can maintain a cordial spirit at the market.   To that end, the BTCA has agreed to the following contract rules with the Borough of Doylestown: 

MARKET DETAILS

The Market is located on Hamilton Street, between West State Street and West Oakland Avenue in the heart of Doylestown, PA.  Operating hours are from 7 AM to 12 PM every Saturday, from April 16 through November 19, excluding September 10, 2011. 

APPLICATION

All vendors must complete and sign a 2011 Vendor Application and Contract Rules form.  By signing this document, vendors agree to abide by the Doylestown Farmers’ Market Contract Rules--2011 Season and decisions of the BTCA in any dispute.  The signed document and applicable check(s) should be submitted to the BTCA, c/o Nancy Bierly,  1739 Lookaway Court, New Hope, PA 18938.  

SPACES AND FEES

§         Spaces will be assigned to vendors after a signed 2011 Vendor Application and Contract Rules form has been received by the BTCA representative, named above. 

§         Dimensions of each space are 10 ft. x 10 ft. with a 1 ½ ft. aisle between stalls. 

§         Each 10 ft. x 10 ft. space will be available for a rental fee of $18.00 per week.  Multiple spaces should be requested on the application.  A $3.00 discount per space will be automatically deducted from the weekly fee, if a vendor chooses prepayment for the season. 

§         Prepayment will be made in two installments, 50% due on or before April 1, with the balance due by July 1, 2011. 

§         Non-prepaid fees will be collected each Saturday during regular operating hours. 

§         Vendors supply their own table(s), canopy(s), and any other supplies needed to operate their business. A canopy, with 20 lbs. of weights minimum, is mandatory for each vendor space.

SPACES AND FEES (CON'DT)

§         Due to space limitations at the market site, we ask vendors to participate as many weeks as possible and only request the number of spaces necessary to display their goods. If a vendor is unable to attend the market on a scheduled day, he/she must notify a BTCA representative prior to the market opening. A contact card will be provided by the BTCA, when the application is approved.

§         Vendor displays must not limit the view or access of customers to other vendor spaces.

§         Vendors cannot lease or lend their market space.

GOODS ACCEPTABLE FOR SALE

§         It is mandatory that vendors have grown or produced most of what they sell.  We recognize, that especially at the beginning and end of the market season, it may become necessary to supplement goods with purchased products from other local growers or tradesmen.  These items may be displayed for sale provided the vendor clearly indicates by signage, the name(s) of the farm(s) or vendor(s) who produced the goods.   

§         Products from other farms or tradesmen may not consist of more than 1/3 of the vendors’ display.   

§         Items may not be purchased from wholesalers or distributors for resale at the market.

§         Craft vendors selling homemade goods they have created themselves, will be accepted in a limited number.

§         The market is intended for the sale of “take home” products.  While it is recognized that customers cannot be prohibited from consuming a product while browsing, products that are intended solely for on-site consumption, i.e., coffee or juice sold in cups, are impermissible.

§         The BTCA retains the right to select vendors on the basis of the goods they sell.  In general, vendors whose goods are different or unusual from goods currently being sold may be chosen over vendors whose goods duplicate existing vendors.  We believe that a variety of goods enhances the market.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

It is mandatory that vendors with edible goods comply with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Agriculture Act 106 of 2010 and follow Bucks County Department of Health regulations for food handling. Vendors at the market must hold a valid retail food facility license unless exempt. To access a copy of Act 106 of 2010 visit www.eatsafepa.com. Vendors are responsible for complying with state laws concerning preparation, handling and labeling of baked, processed and perishable foods.

PERMITS AND TAXES

Vendors are responsible for all licenses required to sell their products, such as scale permits and permits to cook/bake and sell prepared foods.  Vendors are responsible for collecting and paying sales tax on items requiring payment of sales tax. 

SIGNS

Vendors must display a sign giving their name/business and location.  Vendors must incorporate signs into their display listing the prices of all items offered for sale.  All signs must be in place by 7 AM for the opening of the market.    

ORGANIC CERTIFICATION

Farmers selling certified organically grown products must display a sign giving their organic farm certification with certifying organization.  Organic and non-organic produce for sale on the same display must be separated and clearly labeled. 

SAFETY GUIDELINES

§         Vendors must arrive prior to the hours of operation, with completion of set-up and removal of vehicles before pedestrians arrive at 7 AM.

§         Vendors are not permitted to breakdown displays before the market closes at noon.

§         When moving vehicles or unloading and loading product within the market area, vendors should exercise extreme caution.

§         To avoid hazards to pedestrians, vendors should examine all supplies, i.e., canopy, tables, boxes, cables, vehicles and any other item brought into the market, on a weekly basis.

§         Vendors must keep their stalls clear of product residue and other litter during hours of operation.

§         It is imperative that vendors leave the site in the same or better condition than they found it.  Violation of this will result in a withdrawal of the authorization needed to vend. 

INSPECTIONS

Upon giving advance notice, the BTCA reserves the right to visit any farm or business to inspect the production of crops or other goods sold at the market. 

GENERAL COMMENTS

The BTCA and its representatives are responsible for the enforcement of these Contract Rules, assignment of spaces, collection of fees, and the operation and management of the Doylestown Farmers’ Market.  Failure of a vendor to abide by the before mentioned rules may result in loss of vending privileges.  It is our sincere hope that all vendors will cooperate with the BTCA Board and one another, working toward the mutual goal of a friendly community atmosphere at the market.  We believe this will result in a worthwhile contribution to the community as well as a productive outlet for the vendor.