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Division of Agriculture
Division of Agriculture

Certify to sell at County farmers markets

In order to sell their agricultural products at a Certified Farmers Market, producers must obtain a Certified Producer’s Certificate from their home county’s Agriculture Commissioner’s Office. This certificate must be displayed at the point of sale and must list each commodity offered for sale.

To obtain a Certified Producer’s Certificate, follow the following steps:

  1. Fill out an online application on the California Department of Food and Agriculture database: Direct Marketing Program-DMP (ca.gov)
  2. Contact your agriculture commissioner’s office and arrange for an appointment with a Biologist who will come out to verify your production site. If your production site is in Santa Clara County, the department will charge an hourly rate for the certification inspection.

To start a Farmers’ Market or operate a Farmers’ Market

A certified farmers' market may only be operated by a nonprofit organization, one or more certified producers or by a local government agency. 

  1. Fill out an online application on the California Department of Food and Agriculture database: Direct Marketing Program-DMP (ca.gov)
  2. Contact your agriculture commissioner’s office to complete the application. Non-profit organizations must submit proof of their non-profit status and producers must submit a copy of their current Certified Producer’s Certificate. A map of market location and market layout must also be submitted. 

Attachment

Download Certified Producer's Certificate form