What’s the difference between a Certified Farmers’ Market, a farmers’ market and a farm stand?
In California, farmers and rancher are allowed to sell directly to consumers, exempt from packaging, sizing, and labeling regulations, at Certified Farmers’ Markets (CFM). These are locations certified by the county Agricultural Commissioner for the purpose of direct sales. Many Certified Farmers’ Markets have technically separate, but adjacent markets where prepared foods, bread, and other complimentary items can be sold. Farmers may also sell direct to consumers from a Farm Stand at or near the point of production. Recent legislation has expanded options for growers at these stands. In order to sell in a CFM, producers must have a producer’s certificate. The producer’s certificate, issued by the Ag Commissioner and displayed in each stall, is the buyer’s guarantee that the produce was grown by the vendor. Farmers’ markets are an essential part of small farmers’ livelihood, as they may not have sufficient volume to sell through other commercial outlets. In contrast, in non-certified m
