Vending at the Bulkley Valley Farmers’ Market
Make It
James Madam’s Artistry
Do you have a special talent that you want to turn into a business? An artistic streak that needs expression? All artisans and crafters are welcome!
Food processors fit into the ‘Make It’ category as well, depending on the type of product. Canned goods and other processed foods are one of the best ways to capture and savour the bounty of summer!
Bake It
Momma J’s Cupcakes
Delicious baked goods are one of the hallmarks of every great farmers’ market!
In addition, hot food vendors at the market embrace it’s social aspect - what says ‘community’ more than spending some time Saturday morning catching up with your neighbours over a cup of hot coffee and a freshly made snack?
Grow It
Summer Vegetables
Thinking of using your green thumb or animal husbandry skills to develop a business?
Fresh, locally produced meat, vegetables, fruit, eggs, bedding plants, herbs and honey are an essential part of farmers’ markets. Selling at the market gives you the chance to connect with your customers and share the love of fresh, local food!
The BVFMA Market Rules and Make, Bake, Grow Policy will help you determine how to qualify to vend at the market. All food vendors need to read through the Guidelines for the Sale of Foods at Temporary Food Markets. The BVFMA has a separate policy for Ready-to-Eat-Food vendors. All food vendors should check with the Northern Health Authority and make sure that they submit the correct permits with their vendor application. Meat and eggs are considered hazardous foods by the Northern Health Authority (NHA) and as such require additional paperwork.
Vendor Application Process:
Vendor Application Form: If you feel your products are a good fit with the market rules and vision, fill out the vendor application form. Be complete with descriptions of how you Make, Bake or Grow your products. All products must be pre-approved before they can be sold at the market, and more information now can lead to a faster approval time. Include any necessary Health Authority permits with your application.
Approval: Submit your vendor application to the Market Manager, either by email to manager@bvfm.ca, in person at the market, or by mail to the BVFMA, Box 5007 Smithers, BC V0J 2N0. When your application has been reviewed by the BVFMA, the market manager will contact you to let you know whether you are approved and when you can start selling at the market.
Membership: Approved market vendors have the option to become members of the Bulkley Valley Farmers’ Market Association. Vendors who become BVFMA members pay a reduced stall rental and may vote at general meetings. To become a member, fill out the BVFMA Membership Form and send it to info@bvfm.ca, give it to the Market Manager in person, or send a cheque to BVFMA, Box 5007 Smithers, BC V0J 2N0.
Vending: Arrive no earlier than 90 mins prior to market opening time to be assigned a stall space. For the outdoor markets you will need your own table, displays, and a 10′ x 10′ canopy is highly recommended. We have a market table and a few canopies for rent, but please arrange with the market manager beforehand. You must have a sign with your farm/business name and location displayed.
Payments: Payments can be made by cash, cheque or e-transfer. E-transfers should be sent to info@bvfm.ca. Proof of e-transfer (can be digital) is required by the market manager in order for vendors to maintain good standing and hold their stall space.
Established vendors (all products previously approved): Please submit BVFMA Membership Form and payment (unless it poses financial hardship) at the same time as the Vendor Application Form to save time & effort for the manager at the first market.
All fees charged by the not-for-profit BVFMA are accounted for in yearly financial reports which are distributed to members at each AGM. Some of the expenses covered by fees are: liability insurance, a business license, promotions, special events, musicians, canopies, a part-time market manager and membership in the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets.
