Start an approved farmers’ market

About the program

The Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market Program helps ensure market managers and vendors have the information they need to be successful in their roles and keep your visit safe. Approved farmers' markets are recognized in Part 3 of the Alberta Public Health Act Food Regulation.

Program requirements

An Alberta approved farmers' market is approved by the Alberta government and meets the requirements of the Program Guidelines, including:

• has sponsorship from a not-for-profit community group, local Chamber of Commerce, municipality or agricultural society, form their own not-for profit society under the Societies Act or new generation co-operative under the Cooperatives Act
• insured against liability
• has at least five vendors where a minimum of 80% of vendors are Albertans who make, bake or grow the products they sell; the remaining 20% may resell products that complement the market mix
• operates for at least 5 days per year
• has developed a set of farmers’ market rules which govern the operation of the market, and provide those to the Alberta Approved Farmers' Market Program and all market vendors
• may not sell any used goods, flea market products or products that are expressly prohibited in Part 3 of the Food Regulation
• adheres to the administrative requirements of the Program

In addition:

• All approved farmers’ markets must complete annual reporting.
• Only Alberta approved farmers' markets can use the official Sunnygirl logo:
  • for rules of use, see Sunnygirl Logo Usage Guidelines
  • to use the Sunnygirl logo on highway signage, contact Sign up Alberta

How to apply

Step 1. Read the guidelines

Review the Guide to Starting an Alberta Approved Farmers' Market and the Alberta Approved Farmers' Markets Program Guidelines.

Step 2. Complete the application package

Complete the Alberta Approved Farmers' Market Program Application Form.

Include the following documents in your application package:

• A copy of the certificate of incorporation if you are forming your own non-profit association under the Societies Act.
• A copy of the certificate showing you completed the Alberta Food Safety Basics for Farmers' Markets under Online Courses on Alberta Health Services’ Take a Course
• A copy of the certificate showing you completed the Market Manager Training on Resources for farmers’ market managers and vendors
• At least 3 letters of support from local community leaders or groups
• The Market rules you created
• A certificate of insurance showing liability coverage for the market

Step 3. Submit the application package

Email or mail completed application forms and accompanying documents to:

Alberta Approved Farmers' Market Program
4701 52 Street, Box 24
Vermilion, Alberta T9X 1J9
Email: [email protected]

After you apply

Applicants will be notified in writing of any deficiencies in the application.

Markets granted approval status will be notified in writing.

Additional resources

Resources for farmers’ market managers and vendors

Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association

Alberta Farmers' Market Association

Contact

Connect with Program staff:

Phone: 780-853-8223
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

Address:
Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market Program
4701 52 Street, Box 24
Vermilion, Alberta  T9X 1J9