Farmers and Produce
The Downtown Farmers Market (DTFM) was created in 1992 by the Downtown Alliance and is a summer tradition for residents of Salt Lake City and beyond. Located in Historic Pioneer Park, the DTFM provides opportunities for local growers, food and craft artisans to display and sell items to the public. We call this a "make it, bake it, grow it" market, and we expect our vendors to be involved in all aspects of production.
In 2013, the DTFM will celebrate 21 years in downtown Salt Lake City. As a direct result of strong local support, the DTFM has evolved into one of the west’s largest community markets, named one of America’s Favorite Farmers Markets by the American Farmland Trust. In addition to organizing markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays during the summer, the DTFM has recently added monthly Winter Pop-Up Markets in rotating locations during the off season. Canning education, farm tours and special events have also been added to our programming efforts. These projects have furthered our efforts to connect the urban population to local food sources by teaching the traditions of food preservation and offering direct experiences that illustrate the passion and demands of a modern farm life in rural Utah. As an organization, we continue to grow and find ways to support our community.
Download the 2013 Market Vendor Guidelines and Policies
How to apply to sell produce and farm goods:
We process all applications using an online system called Manage My Market. Applications will be accepted from February 5 - April 8, 2013. Late applications will not be accepted. Notifications will be sent to vendors at the email on your application by the end of April.
Step 1: Go to Manage My Market and create your vendor profile.
The information in your vendor profile will be used to evaluate your application. If additional information is required, a DTFM representative will contact you. Remember to keep your vendor profile current now and throughout the season. If accepted, your business contact information, product availability, attendance and picture can be viewed by customers on our Web site. This step can be completed anytime.
Step 2: Select the Market you would like and apply to be a vendor at the DTFM.
When the application period is open, log into your Manage My Market vendor profile and apply to the Salt Lake City Downtown Farmers Market - Saturday Mornings 2013 (June 8 - October 19) and/or the Salt Lake City Downtown Farmers Market - Tuesday Evenings 2013 (August 6 - October 22) . After you complete the application, you will be sent a confirmation email.
Information for Farmers/Growers and Mixed-Product Vendors:
The following sub categories have been developed for vendors selling products raised on farms. Vendors that sell ONLY raw agriculture products fit our farmer/grower category. Vendors that sell raw agricultural products AND value-added agricultural products or approved crafts fit our mixed-product category:
1. Raw Agricultural Product
Fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts, flowers, bedding plants, potted plants, and bulbs that are raised on the applicant’s farm are included in this category. Bedding plants and potted plants must be grown from seed, plug cutting, bulbs, or bare root.
2. Value-Added Agricultural Product
These products are admitted by DTFM management approval and include milk, cheese, oils, eggs, honey, soaps, herbal preparations, jams, and more. The vendor must make all value-added products predominantly from material grown or gathered by the vendor. Vendors must provide a copy of their Department of Agriculture certificate before selling at the Market (eggs excluded). For other types of food, view the food vendor page.
3. Meat
The applicant must raise the animals to be considered in this category. DTFM looks for natural, grass-fed, or organic meat products. Retail sales of meat fit the mixed product category and require a Department of Agriculture certificate before selling at the Market.
4. Honey
To be considered for the DTFM, honey vendors must be involved in all aspects of beekeeping. Bottled honey products fit the mixed-product category and require a Department of Agriculture certificate before selling at the Market.
4. Eggs
Eggs can be sold at the DTFM without a Department of Agriculture certificate. However, temperatures must be controlled (45 degrees or lower) or product will be removed. Category will be determined based on other products sold at the booth.
5. Craft items (at a produce booth)
Any craft item sold at the DTFM must be approved by DTFM management and adhere to the following guidelines:
• Craft items must be handmade, grown, or gathered (natural materials) by the seller or family member.
• Craft items must be of original, unique work or design.
• The starting material must be significantly altered by the artisan.
• Only craft items listed on vendor application may be sold.
*Note: Certain craft vendors on the DTFM side of the park have been grandfathered in to sell craft items. Other artists and crafters, of all mediums, are welcome to apply to the Downtown Art and Craft Market, managed adjacent to the DTFM on Saturday mornings.
2013 Saturday Market Fees:
Farmer/Grower: full season, reserved space $225 for one 10' x 10' booth
Farmer/Grower: day stall $20/day
Mixed Product: full season, reserved space $360 for one 10' x 10' booth
2013 Tuesday Market Fees:
Farmer/Grower: full season, reserved space $100 for one 10' x 10' booth
Farmer/Grower: day stall $10/day
Mixed Product: full season, reserved space $150 for one 10' x 10' booth
Guidelines for Produce Booths- DTFM Policies and Guidelines for a full list of rules:
a. All produce sold at the DTFM must be grown or raised in the Intermountain West, within 250 miles of Salt Lake City.
b. No resale of produce or other products is allowed. No commercial produce is allowed. Vendors must identify their county extension agent in their application. Contact the Market Manager with any questions.
c. Farmers/Growers that lease land are permitted to sell their products at the DTFM provided they demonstrate significant risk and financial investment. Leasees may be asked to provide receipts showing they purchased the seeds or plants for the crop, a written agreement with the land owner, and a statement describing the division of work on that land.
d. The name listed on the vendor application is the person responsible to ensure that the DTFM guidelines and policies are clear to all staff members working at the booth. Only the farm owner, employees of the farm, or family members can represent the applicant. No agents or resellers!
e. Quality and freshness are the key selling points at this market. This is not the place for spoiled produce.
f. Vendors are encouraged, but not expected, to sell pesticide/hormone-free food. We have high customer demand for organic food. It is illegal to misrepresent products as organic and may be prosecuted by law and result in removal from the DTFM. Contact UDAF Organic Food Program for information: (801.538.7180)
g. We encourage vendors to do research and to select non-GMO seeds and ingredients for their products.
h. Vendors may not sell any items not approved or listed in their application. DTFM staff reserves the right to ask vendors to remove products.
i. Vendors are responsible for complying with all applicable state and local laws, regulations, and requirements. Vendors selling processed items (i.e. jellies, honey, salsa, cut fruit, meat, anything other than raw produce) must have a food establishment registration certificate from the Utah Department of Agriculture. Call 801-538-7100 to speak with an inspector.
j. All vendors selling produce and packaged goods are required to participate in our Food Stamp/Wooden Nickel Program. Vendors will be reimbursed for all wooden nickels received as payment for goods.
k. Prices must be clearly posted for all items sold at booth. The individual vendors will determine the prices for all products sold, but we request that vendors maintain fair retail market pricing. The DTFM, the Downtown Alliance and any other party will NOT make any warranty on sold or purchased goods.
l. The use of plastic grocery bags is discouraged at the DTFM. We encourage vendors and customers to use reusable bags or other alternatives.
m. Sampling is permitted at the DTFM provided that the person handling the food has a current food handler permit and hand washing station.
Farmer/Grower Day Stalls
Growers that cannot commit to the 15-week minimum may be eligible to participate in the day stall program. An application must be submitted before attending the DTFM. If approved by management, check in at the Downtown Alliance Info Booth at the DTFM for stall assignment and to pay fees. Day stalls are not available in August and September. Craft and food vendors are not eligible for the day stalls.
Other Important Links:
Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Outdoor Market Requirements (packaged food, meat, honey)
Utah Department of Agriculture Web site
Utah's Own - Utah Department of Agriculture marketing program that is dedicated to the promotion of Utah food products.