Join our farmers market

Wine glass On this page you will find information to help you trade at a Farmers Market, along with all the rules and regulations governing participation and market management along with details how to apply.

Go straight to forms

How the Farmers Market operates

The Farmers Market is open to the public during the times shown for each individual Farmers Market (time varies dependent on the Farmers Market)
Details will be supplied outlining arrival time
Spaces and stalls will be allocated by the organisers
Producers should display trading names clearly on their stalls, together with contact address and phone number. Contact details should be made available to all members of the public to enable them to make contact with producers between the Farmers Markets
Producers should bring their own chillers or refrigerators as required – equipment requiring electricity will be tested on the day
There is a no smoking and no dogs policy for those stalls selling food
The stall will be provided for you unless other arrangements are made with the organisers. The size of the stall as follows: single stall – 4 feet 9 inch length by 4 feet deep. Double stall is 9 feet 8 inch length by 4 feet deep. Tables and canopies are provided with the stall, you are expected to provide your own side protectors for the stall
Each market is run as a separate event
Contact should be made prior the Farmers Market if for any reason you are not able to fulfil your booking.
Producers must dispose of all rubbish carefully
The allocation of stalls is soley at the discretion of the organiser

Criteria for participation

No genetically modified (GM) produce or produce containing GM ingredients may be sold at the Farmers Market
Produce and products offered for sale should normally be produced within 30 miles of the Farmers Market. Where producers for certain products can not be found within this area, producers from further afield may be allowed to sell at the Farmers Market
Stall holders must grow, rear or produce the products they are selling
No bought in produce is allowed
Priority will be given to those producers whose businesses are closest to the Farmers Makret
Your business must comply with all local and national laws and legislation regarding the production, labelling, display, storage and sale of goods
You must comply with the relevant Food Safety Regulations and relevant Trading Standards legislation
Photocopies of public liability insurance certificates must accompany your application
The stallholders must be a direct employee of the business and involved in the production process.

There are 3 categories for producers recognised by the Farmers Market. In order to participate you must fit into one of these categories:

Category 1 – primary farm produce:

Includes eggs, fruit, vegetables, herbs, meat, fish, seafood, cheese, milk, butter, ice cream, honey and bee products, wine, cider, fruit juices, flowers and plants. Plants may include planted baskets if wholly grown and arranged by the producer.

Exceptions may be made for products which are not available locally or to respond to customer demand.

Category 2 – hand made consumable products

Includes ready made meals, condiments, confectionery, preserves, cakes and desserts whose prinicipal ingredients are primary farm produce from category 1

All processed goods must contain at least on ingredient of origin from within the defined local area (not merely bought locally). The minimium local ingredient is 10% of each product

Category 3 – hand made craft items

Only products crafted from locally sourced materials

Application Process

If your business and produce comply with all the criteria for participation then applying for inclusion in the Farmers Market involves filling in forms and ensuring you are willing to comply with important health trading standards guidelines.

In line with M. Farmers Markets Limited Public Liability Insurance and National Association of Farmers Markets criteria a recent copy of your Public and Product Liability Insurance Certificate showing £5 million cover is required prior to trading at a Farmers Market.

If there is no conflict with existing producers a speedy decision will be made following your application. If, however, other producers are already selling the same items consideration will be given to a number of factors including the ability of the Farmers Market to sustain additional producers, the proximity of the producer to the Farmers Market and the nature of the business applying.

You can download the criteria and application forms here:

Dartford Farmers Market: – criteria and application to be published later in 2008

Meopham Farmers Market:

Gravesend Farmers Market:

Norwood Farmers Market: