Certified Farmers’ Markets and New Regulatory

Changes

Established in 1977 Certified Farmers’ Markets offer flexible marketing alternatives that help small farmers market their products without added expenses of commercial preparation. Commodities offered for sale are exempt from minimum size, labeling, standard pack, and container requirements. Consumers also benefit by access to quality California-grown produce at reasonable prices.

The Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee, which includes market managers as voting members, provides advice to the California Secretary of Agriculture. The Advisory Committee promotes Certified Farmers’ Market demand and consumption while ensuring honest and fair marketing. The Advisory Committee may make recommendations on administrative policy and procedures, administrative civil penalties, program enforcement fees, and the annual program budget.

Certified Farmers’ Markets are governed by the California Food and Agricultural Code, Section 4700 and the California Code of Regulations, Section 1392. Enforcement is conducted by the California Department

of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the County Agricultural Commissioner. Certified Farmers’ Markets and participating growers are approved by the County Agricultural Commissioner.

On January 1, 2021 new regulations became effective. The regulatory changes include increased penalties for violations issued including suspension from the program for certified producers and certified markets. CDFA has developed a Regulation Change Synopsis Effective January 1, 2021 that can be found at: https:// www.cdfa.ca.gov/ is/i_&_c/pdfs/New_ Regulation_FAQs_Effective_1-1-2021.pdf

There are approximately 2700 certified producers and 750 Certified Farmers’ Markets in California with 60% of the markets in operation year-round. In Santa Cruz County there are eight (8) Certified Farmers’ Markets and approximately eighty-five (85) Certified Producers.

A wide selection of agricultural commodities including fresh fruits, nuts, vegetables, herbs, mushrooms, dairy, shell eggs, honey, pollen, unprocessed bees wax, propolis, royal jelly, flowers, grains, nursery stock, raw sheared wool, livestock meats, poultry meats, rabbit meats and fish (including fish and shellfish that are produced under controlled conditions in waters located in California) may be found within a certified farmers’ market.

Markets may also permit nonagricultural vending activities ancillary but contiguous to the certified farmers’ market. Arts, crafts, bakery, candies, soaps, balms, perfumes, cosmetics, pottery, clothing, fabrics, pastas, compost, fertilizers, candles, ceramics, and foraged foods may be found in the designated nonagricultural area.

To locate a certified farmers’ market or to access information about the Certified Farmers’ Market Program, please visit: https://www.cdfa. ca.gov/is/i_&_c/cfm. html