Farm to Fork Farmers Market: Unified Market Rules

Applies to Domain Farmers Market, Lakeline Farmers Market, and Silos Farmers Market

Effective Date: June 23, 2024
Subject to Change by Market Leadership

All vendors and their agents participating in any Farm to Fork Farmers Market (FTF) — including Domain, Lakeline, and Silos Farmers Markets — are required to read, understand, and comply with these rules. Adherence is acknowledged through the Hold Harmless Agreement, which must be signed upon application. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.

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Vendor Fees

Application Fee

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• One-time, non-refundable: $50 (Domain & Lakeline)

• One-time, non-refundable: $15 (Silos)

• Silos Farmers Market application fee is subsidized through a special grant from Acht Kinder Farms, FarmForkAlliance.org, and The City of Hutto's Certified Farmers Market program.

• Must be paid before the application is reviewed

• Ineligibility due to non-compliance with market rules is not refundable

• Review period: 10–14 business days pending property owner approval

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Annual Membership Fee

Due before attending the first market of the calendar year unless attending a one-time Market Day event. Vendors grandfathered in from 2022 may be exempt at Silos.

• Agricultural Producer: $100 (Domain & Lakeline) / $20 (Silos)

• Value-added, Prepared Food, Artisan: $150 (Domain & Lakeline) / $50 (Silos)

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All vendors must resubmit updated applications annually with required documentation. Reapplication and rule compliance required each April (Domain & Lakeline) or September (Silos).

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Booth Fee (per 10’x10’ space)
Due by Wednesday before market (Domain & Lakeline) or Thursday prior (Silos).

• Agricultural Producer: $35 (Domain & Lakeline) / $20 (Silos)

• Value-added, Prepared Food, Artisan: $55 (Domain & Lakeline) / $35 (Silos)

• Value-added using own farm/garden/livestock: $45 (Domain & Lakeline) / $30 (Silos)

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Seasonal Vendor Policies

• Seasonal vendors (such as those selling limited-harvest goods or seasonal crafts) must notify market staff in their application if they intend to vend on a seasonal basis.

• Seasonal vendors may be granted more flexible attendance requirements than regular vendors, but must still adhere to conduct, labeling, setup, and other general rules.

• Seasonal vendor booth fees may differ depending on market space, season, and product type. These fees will be communicated by the market manager and must be paid in advance.

• All seasonal vendors must still submit required documentation and sign the Hold Harmless Agreement.

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Vendor Conduct & Market Community Values

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• Treat fellow vendors, staff, and customers with respect at all times. Hostility, gossip, or public criticism of other vendors will not be tolerated.

• Vendors must not attempt to recruit or "poach" other vendors for competing markets while participating at Farm to Fork Farmers Market events.

• Maintain a spirit of cooperation—vendors are expected to act in the best interest of the market community.

• This market is your business home. Conduct yourself with professionalism, respect, and a shared responsibility to foster a supportive market environment.

• Violations of these conduct expectations may result in immediate removal from the market at the discretion of leadership.

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Customer Interaction Standards

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• Vendors must maintain a welcoming, professional demeanor with all customers.

• Disputes with shoppers must be handled respectfully or referred to market staff.

• Profanity, dismissiveness, or combative behavior toward any member of the public may result in removal from the market.

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Social Media & Public Representation

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• Vendors are expected to speak positively about the market and its community in public, including on social media.

• Concerns or complaints should be directed privately to market leadership.

• Public defamation, disparagement, or negative campaigning against the market, its vendors, or staff may result in immediate suspension or expulsion.

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Vendor Collaboration Policy

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• Vendors are encouraged to collaborate and support one another through product bundles, cross-promotions, and shared storytelling.

• Collaborative efforts must not exclude others, misrepresent Farm to Fork Farmers Market branding, or interfere with vendor neutrality.

• No third-party sponsorships, advertisements, signage, or promotions may be displayed at booths without prior approval from market leadership.

• Treat fellow vendors, staff, and customers with respect at all times. Hostility, gossip, or public criticism of other vendors will not be tolerated.

• Vendors must not attempt to recruit or "poach" other vendors for competing markets while participating at Farm to Fork Farmers Market events.

• Maintain a spirit of cooperation—vendors are expected to act in the best interest of the market community.

• This market is your business home. Conduct yourself with professionalism, respect, and a shared responsibility to foster a supportive market environment.

• Violations of these conduct expectations may result in immediate removal from the market at the discretion of leadership.

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Vendor-Owned Businesses and Representation

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• Vendors may have employees or agents operate their booth, provided those individuals are professional, knowledgeable, and have visited or been trained at the place of production.

• Vendors may sell handmade or artisan products on behalf of another artisan, friend, or family member, as long as the products are handmade and the relationship is disclosed to market leadership.

• Any handmade product not created by the vendor must be pre-approved by FTF leadership and must meet the same standards for quality and originality.

• Vendors may not sell commercially manufactured or mass-produced goods unless explicitly approved.

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General Rules for All Vendors

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• All vendors and agents must sign the Hold Harmless before attending any market.

• All vendors must provide current licenses, permits, and insurance as required.

• $1,000,000 general liability insurance is required for each market attended.

• All items must be made, grown, or prepared within 150 miles unless granted an exemption.

• Resale is generally prohibited. However, exceptions may be made for handmade or artisan products created by someone with a direct connection to the vendor, such as a family member, friend, or another artisan the vendor supports. Vendors may also use purchased materials or components as part of their handmade items, provided the final product is meaningfully altered, assembled, or created by the vendor. All such arrangements must be disclosed and approved by FTF leadership.

• Vendors may be removed or not re-invited at the discretion of the Executive Director.

• Attendance is expected year-round, rain or shine. Only 8 excused absences are allowed per year per market.

• Absences must be reported by end of day on Wednesday before the market via the "Not Coming" form.

• Vendors must be set up 45 minutes before market open; no vehicles 60 minutes before or 15 minutes after market hours.

• Booths must remain intact until the market closes, regardless of sell-out status.

• Booths are limited to two front-facing spaces. Merchandise must remain inside the designated space.

• Each tent leg must be secured with 40 lbs. of weight.

• Smoking and vaping are prohibited within market bounds.

• Only knowledgeable, professional agents may represent vendors. Agents must have visited the place of production.

• Branded merchandise must be ethically sourced.

• All trash and recycling must be taken off-site.

• Vendors must display pricing and contact signage.

• Vendors must comply with all laws and refrain from harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behavior.

• No dumping of unsold goods; repeat violations lead to expulsion.

• No open display of firearms.

• ADA and fire lane access must be maintained.

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Food Vendor Rules

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• Must follow all local, state, and federal health codes.

• Only wooden or compostable sample spoons are allowed.

• No co-packed items unless exempted by FTF leadership. Vendors seeking exemption must demonstrate active involvement in formulation, sourcing, and oversight of production. Relabeled or generic items from third parties are not allowed.

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Labeling & Cottage Food Disclaimer Requirements

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All food items must comply with Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) labeling guidelines, including:

• Product name

• Contact info (vendor name, address, phone/email)

• Allergen declarations (8 major allergens)

While listing ingredients in descending order by weight is recommended and often helpful, it is not required by law. However, allergens must be disclosed. There is more than one way to present required information—please see official resources and guidance.

For full compliance guidance and examples, visit:

• Texas Cottage Food Labeling Guide: https://texascottagefoodlaw.com/labels/

• Texas DSHS Cottage Food Production: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishments/texas-cottage-food-production

• Cottage Food Law Video Overview: https://youtu.be/Qm8viVD1tYs

Cottage Food Law Disclaimer

• Until August 31, 2025: Labels must include —
  “This food is made in a home kitchen and is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department.”

• Starting September 1, 2025: Labels must include —
  “THIS PRODUCT WAS PRODUCED IN A PRIVATE RESIDENCE AND IS NOT SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENTAL LICENSING OR INSPECTION.”

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Agricultural Producers, Farmers, and Ranchers

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• Farm inspections may occur with a mileage fee ($1/mile).

• Co-ops must be legal entities; signage must be transparent.

• Organic or sustainability claims must be substantiated.

• No live animal sales permitted.

• CSA pickup allowed only if all items are vendor-produced and pre-approved.

• Nursery-only vendors must grow what they sell.

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Value-Added Vendors​

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• Must incorporate local ingredients when available.

• One item per menu must highlight a local producer.

• CBD vendors must provide detailed sourcing, extraction info and comply with legal requirements.

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Artisans​

• Must be juried by FTF staff.

  • ​Artisan vendors are required to undergo a jury process conducted by FTF staff. This process includes submitting product photos, descriptions, and potentially a studio visit to ensure that all products meet the market’s quality standards and handmade criteria.

• Studio visits may be required. Product photos must be submitted.

 

Violations & Fines

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Violation & Fine - 

No-Show without Notice - Booth fee + $25

Late Payment (after Friday 8 PM) - $15

Late Setup$15

Missing Tent Weights - $30

Parking Violation - $50 (1st), $80 (2nd+)

Selling Unapproved Items - $30 (All items need approval before adding.)

Incorrect Labeling- $15

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• Fines must be paid before attending the next market. Unpaid fines may lead to suspension.

• Three fines = 2-market suspension; Second suspension = 4-market suspension; Third = Expulsion

• Setting up during suspension may double the suspension or lead to expulsion.

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Governance

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Market Coordinators – On-site operational authority.
Advisory Panel – Provides feedback to leadership. Elected by vendors yearly.
Board of Directors – Oversees policy, budget, and final decisions.

 

Grievance & Resolution Process

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• Issues reported onsite are handled first by Market Coordinators.

• Serious grievances are reviewed by the Executive Director and possibly the Board.

• Confidentiality is prioritized.

• The complainant bears the burden of proof.

• Vendor’s compliance will be verified. If not compliant, the vendor may be removed.

• Reapplication is allowed after compliance is achieved.

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All vendors represent Farm to Fork Farmers Markets with every interaction. Professionalism, integrity, and transparency are expected at all times.