The Monroe County Farmers’ Market will open May 27, 2006 and continue through mid-October 2006.

The proposed market operating hours will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. The market will be located at the USDA Service Center, Paris, Missouri just south of Paris on Hwy 15. The market will feature locally grown produce, bedding plants, berries, eggs, honey, baked goods and preserved items as well as and other agricultural items produced or grown by the Vendor. Homemade craft items and items of “antique” quality will also be welcomed at the market.

A one-time fee of $10.00 will be charged to each seller, good for the season, except to FFA, 4-H or other similar groups. One-day permits will be available for $2.50. Once 4 one-day permits have been purchased, vendor will be considered paid for the season. Grower fees will be used for market promotion and publicity. Registration is required. Growers are responsible for providing all necessary equipment. Vendors will abide by Monroe County 2006 Farmers’ Market rules. The market expects fresh, high quality produce.

GROWER NAME & E-MAIL ADDRESS______________________________

MAILING ADDRESS_______________________________________________

CITY_____________________________ ZIP____________________________

COUNTY________________________ PHONE_________________________

1. Do you consider yourself a
     ______ Commercial grower
     ______ Part-time grower
     ______ Backyard Gardner
     ______ Organic grower

2. We are interested in maintaining produce availability and variety at the market. At the bottom of this page, please list items you plan to sell. Thank you for registering for the Monroe County Market. Please sign this form and return to Tony Francis, 18771 Hwy 15, Paris, MO 65275 (660) 327-4137 or bring to market. Enclosed are the rules for the market. Please return this form promptly. Produce you plan to sell:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Monroe County Farmers’ Market is sponsored by the Paris Area Chamber of Commerce, Monroe County University Outreach and Extension, and Monroe County USDA Service Center. Fees paid by vendors will go back into the Farmers’ Market in the way of advertising or expenses.

Location: USDA Service Center, Paris, Missouri.

Dates: Opening and closing dates will be determined based on products delivered to market. A typical season will run from May 27, 2006 through mid-October 2006.

Time: Every Saturday with set up at 8:30 A.M. and sales beginning at 9 A.M. until Noon Tuesday afternoons starting in July from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Rules of Operation

1. The market will be open to Monroe and adjoining county vendors who desire to sell products of quality and value. Vendors may also sell processed food items subject to approval and regulations of government authorities, such as the health department. Vendors are responsible for their own sales tax and any other necessary permits. The Farmers’ Market Operating Committee will reserve the right to refuse any vendor from the Market if it is felt that the products being sold do not meet quality standards.

2. For the Saturday Market, vendors should be set up and registered with the coordinator by 9: A.M. No selling will be permitted before 9 A.M. The selling period will officially run until Noon. However, vendors wishing to remain past that time may stay till 1 P.M. without the benefit of the coordinator. Vendors leaving early shall avoid disrupting the on going operation of the market.

3. New vendors must register with the coordinator or designated at each session before offering items for sale. Vendor spaces will be assigned on a first-come basis on each market day. No pre-determined/saved spaces will be arranged.

4. A one-time fee of $10.00 will be charged for the season except to F.F.A., 4-H, or tax exempt charitable organizations. One-day permits may be purchased for $2.50. Once 4 one-day permits have been purchased, the vendor will be considered good for the season.

5. Vendors are required to stay within their allotted spaces and may not encroach into the right-of-way of other vendors.

6. Sale of locally grown produce, bedding plants, berries, eggs, honey, and other agricultural items will be permitted. Sale of any baked/processed/preserved items must comply with all State, and local health codes. The sale of “used items” will not be permitted with the exception of those items considered of “antique” quality. Exception: The first Saturday market of each month will be open to “other” vendors of home business products; tupperware, home decorating, health/beauty products etc. Any vendor selling items by weight must have certified scales. Selling by methods other than weight, i.e. flat, bunch, bag is recommended. Products grown in limited quantities in Monroe County such as peaches, melons etc. may be purchased elsewhere in Missouri and sold by members as long as it is a Missouri product and approved by the Board.

7. All prices should be clearly posted. Each vendor must display and sell their products from within the confines of his assigned space. The vendor’s vehicle should be kept clean and presentable.

8. Each individual is required to clean their area. The vendor’s space must be broom clean after the end of the selling period. No stakes or holes will be made in the parking lot.

9. Each vendor may set his or her own prices. Prices should be set in keeping with customer satisfaction and consideration of other market vendors. Monroe County Farmers’ Market is not responsible for any sale arrangements or warranty of any type, express or implied, concerning produce or other items bought or sold.

10. The coordinator will settle any disputes or problems as they arise. Appeals can be made to the USDA County Agricultural Committee, and will be settled prior to the next scheduled Market Day.

11. Violations of these rules as determined by Monroe County Farmers’ Market Operating Committee may result in banishment from the market with a forfeiture of any paid fees.

These rules are intended to create a successful Monroe County Farmers’ Market and shopping environment. They may be amended or modified, if necessary.

Further information may be obtained by contacting: