2011 WOODSTOCK FARMERS’ MARKET RULES OF OPERATION

ALL PRODUCERS AGREE THAT THE FARMERS’ MARKET OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING RULES AND FURTHER AGREE THAT THE WFM BOARD HAS FULL AUTHORITY TO INTERPRET AND ENFORCE THE RULES TO ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL MARKET.

1. LOCATION: Tuesday & Saturday Markets along the inside roadway around the Square.  This space will be blocked off by the WFM.  Some spaces inside the square.

2. HOURS OF OPERATION:  Hours of Operation for both markets are from 8 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. or as amended by the WFM Board.  Producers must be in their space by 7:30 am and set up by the beginning of the market day at 8:00 AM and are expected to remain until the end of the market at 1:00 pm. If you must leave before 1 pm,  contact Keith to take down barricades and to cross the pedestrian walkway.  If unable to attend, contact Keith Johnson at 815-382-4240, or offsquare@gmail.com.   Failure to call or be there by 7:30 may result in re-assignment for the day.  Continued infractions could result in further measures by the WFM Board. 

3. SPACES:  The WFM's board has sole discretion in deciding which applications fit with the “market's needs." All spaces will be assigned by the WFM Board.  Special events spaces will be assigned for that day as designated by the WFM Board.  There will be no sub-letting of market spaces by producers.  No producer will have more than two spaces.  Our policy is to refuse booth space to all groups wishing to promote a religious, political, or advocacy position. Such groups are welcome to apply to bring a locally produced product (as cook books, locally grown plants, produce or crafts).

4. MARKETS ON THE SQUARE:  NOTE: A walkway of (5) feet must be left unobstructed for a pedestrian walkway and for public safety and convenience.  A continuous walkway of (5) feet must be provided from one sales area to the next. The WFM Board will adjust the walkway as necessary.

5. SPACE RENTAL/FEES:  All applications will be reviewed by the WFM Board. Full Season:  Payment is due with the application. Refunds will not be given for dates the producer fails to show up for the market or in case of rain.

6. TENTS;   All tents and coverings must be adequately secured for wind.  Those vendors with inadequately secured tents or coverings may be required to dismantle and remove them.

7. Space will be assigned in the following order

  (a) To farmers with good Market attendance in 2010 and who make full payment by 2-22-11.
       Every effort will be made to have farmers attending both markets in the same space.

  (b) To new farmers accepted by the WFM Board who have made payment.

  (c) To producers whose goods complement other producer's goods, offer variety and help supply
        the needs of the market's customers;

   (d) Preference will be given to full season producers. Those producers coming after the market
        season begins will be on the end, those leaving during the season forfeit their spots.

    (e) If more qualified producers apply than space available, assignment will be on the above criteria and then on a first-come-         first-served basis using date of receipt of application and fee.

    (f) Producers must sign up for at least 10 markets and pay for the full season, unless WFM
        board grants an exception. Then the $25 per day will apply. 

8.   DISPLAYS AND TABLES.  Producers must furnish their own tables, chairs and displays. The market
            location does not afford protection from rain and producers should plan accordingly.    

9.    IN CASE OF RAIN:  All producers are expected to come rain or shine. Prepaid rental fees are not
            refunded in case of inclement weather.

10. GOODS OFFERED FOR SALE:  Producers may sell plants, farm produce, flowers and other products that were grown or produced on their premises, or value added specialty products as determined by the WFM Board. Obvious out-of-season products will be excluded from the market. The WFM Board reserves the right to make a farm visit should questions arise concerning the producer’s items. No flea market or garage sale-type items. All delivery trucks and other equipment used for transportation and display must be kept clean at all times. If a vendor wishes to add a new item at the beginning or any time during the season, the addition must be approved by the WFM Board.

(A) Plants may be grown from plugs to a saleable size; however, plants may not be purchased at finished-sized and offered for sale. This also applies to nursery stock and trees.

(B) Meats. Vendors must have a Illinois permit to sell meat at the market. Animals not raised from birth must have been raised for 50% of its life span on the farm (or leased) land of the vendor.  Purchase documents must be maintained and provided on animals not born on your farm.

(C) Eggs.  Vendors must have a USDA permit to sell eggs at the market.  Pullets must be owned
     for 30 days before eggs can be sold.

(D) Baked Goods.  Bakers must bake in a licensed kitchen and have their certified food
     handlers license.  Latest inspection report and lease agreement for facility to be included with
     application. Sampling must be by MCDH rules.

(E) Crafts.  Any producer selling crafts along with their regular products can have no more than 20% of the total items as crafts. Vendors offering only crafts must submit samples for acceptance, and will be limited no more than four markets.  A sales tax number and certificate of insurance must also be provided.

 (F) Vegetables and value added items:  Those vendors selling “Organic” products must provide
     Certification information to the market.

11.  TASTE SAMPLES:  The McHenry County Department of Health will allow up to 12 WFM vendors to taste sample food items under a variance to article IV of the McHenry County Public Health Ordinance.  A WFM permit for 2011 to sample food items to the public will be contingent on the WFM and vendors meeting the requirements set forth by the McHenry County Department of Health’s Director of Environmental Health. A copy of the requirements can be obtained from the WFM Board.  In addition the WFM requires all vendors desiring to taste sample be certified in food service sanitation and only sample low risk foods. 

12. COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS:  All producers are responsible for
obtaining all necessary county or state health and/or other permits and are responsible for compliance with all state and federal food and drug laws including proper labeling.

13.  SCALES: If goods are offered for sale by weight, the producer's scales must be in accordance with the local county requirements and with those established standards as set by the State of Illinois.

14. SALES TAX: Each producer is responsible for the reporting of and the payment to the Illinois Department of Revenue of all required taxes resulting from the sales made at the WFM. Each producer must attach to their application a copy of his or her Illinois Department of Revenue Sales Tax Number Certificate. Failure to do so will result in the rejection of the producer's application and his exclusion from the Farmers’ Market.

15. MARKET ETIQUETTE: Producers are expected to wear attire that maintains the wholesome atmosphere of a farm market (i.e., must wear shirts and shoes, etc.). Producers are strictly prohibited from hawking, crying out, or engaging in activity designed to attract attention to their products. In the interest of fair trade, producers disparaging other producers' goods or the WFM risk expulsion from the market and forfeiture of their space rental fees including full season fee payments. Concerns about other producer's products should be kept confidential and directed to the WFM Board.

16.  CLEAN-UP: Each producer is responsible for the removal of all waste, garbage or refuse from his or her space at the closing hour of each market day.

17. PRICING: At the discretion of the individual producer.

18. ENGINES: Producers can’t run a diesel engine at the market without approval of the WFM Board.

19. SMOKING:  Producers and their associates cannot smoke in the sales area during market hours.

20. PARKING: Producers may not park their “extra” vehicles in the square parking spaces, or in spaces on roads leading into the square.

21. WINTER MARKET  Those attending the 2010 winter market will have first choice for the succeeding winter markets.