1. Original Producer:  All items sold must be grown or produced within approximately forty (40) miles of the venue and vendors must be the original grower or producer or be engaged in a direct cooperative arrangement approved by the Market Manager. If a cooperative agreement is approved, the Market Manager has authority to require the vendor label products according to origin. Vendors may only sell the items they have been approved to sell.

2. Order of Priority for Accepting Vendor Applications:  

The Pontotoc Farmers Market aims to maintain an approximate vendor ratio of:

• 40% produce growers
• 20% agricultural producers
• 20% cottage and commercial food producers
• 20% artisans, makers, and crafters 

Preference is extended to:

• Produce growers who bring products that are 100% grown and harvested on farmland they own or lease and operate.
• Pontotoc County residents growing or producing in Pontotoc County.
• Producers who grow, raise or harvest ingredients featured in the items they sell.
• Food producers and makers who use locally sourced ingredients.
• Current vendors in good standing.

Other considerations:

• Non-produce agricultural (eggs, honey, meat, plants, flowers) and cottage/commercial food producers are selected to ensure product diversity, reduce duplication, and support vendor viability.
• Artisans and makers are selected based on product usefulness on the farm, in the garden or home (especially the kitchen); originality and quality; and the need to avoid duplication.

Vendor selection and retention are managed by the Market Manager in accordance with these guidelines.

3. Conduct:  Vendors must be honest and are required to conduct themselves in a manner that contributes to a positive shopping experience for Market customers and should avoid unsuitable language, crude jokes and other inappropriate behavior. Vendors are required to remain kind and courteous to all fellow vendors. Market management will strive to create an atmosphere where seasoned farmers and producers can mentor new growers.

4. No Discrimination:  No vendor may discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, age, color, disability, sex or national origin in selling or conducting activities at the market.

5. Pricing:  Vendors set their own prices for their products; however, radical price cutting of top-quality ag products is prohibited. Lower quality or overripe produce can be sold for a discounted price and should be labeled as such. Exchanges of product and/or refunds are at the vendor’s discretion. All scales used are subject to inspection.

6. Sales Tax:  See Miss. Code § 27-65-103(f).  Exemptions; Agricultural.

A. Vendors selling homegrown Mississippi produce (grown by the vendor), Mississippi home processed foods (made by the vendor), from a MDAC certified market, are exempt from the collection of sales tax.

B. Home processed food vendors that are an extension of an established retail food outlet are not exempt from remitting sales tax.

C. Vendors selling agricultural food products that were not produced in Mississippi, landscape plants, home processed food products not made in Mississippi, and/or arts and crafts must remit sales tax to the Mississippi State Tax Commission. 

OUR MARKET DOES NOT COLLECT OR REMIT SALES TAX.

7. Stall Space:  Vendor spaces are assigned weekly by the Market Manager. Effort will be made to keep vendor space assignment consistent. Please be courteous and cooperate with other vendors if space sharing is needed.  Vendors are encouraged to post a business sign or farm name in their display area.

8. Electricity:  Vendors must inform the Market Manager of their electrical needs and receive prior approval before using any existing electrical outlets at the Market. If extension cords are used, they must be designed for outdoor use, be three-prong, safely secured at all times and out of the way of foot traffic.

9. Supplies:  Each farm/business will be responsible for bringing needed supplies such as: tables, tablecloths, chairs, scales, signage, price lists, marketing materials, food sampling supplies and change.

10. Permits and Licenses: All vendors and fundraisers selling at the Market must abide by all applicable federal, state, and local health regulations.  All required permits and licenses must be kept current for the entire market season.

11. Advertising and Labeling:  Vendors must advertise truthfully and respond to customer questions truthfully. Certification is required to use the labels “Certified Organic” and “Certified Naturally Grown.”

12. Clean Up: Each vendor is responsible for maintaining their area in a clean and sanitary manner with attention to public safety. Before departure, each vendor must clean all trash and unsold product, sweep any debris, and take down and store market tent, if using.

13. Liability:  While the Market recommends that vendors carry liability insurance, it is not required. However, vendors who do not maintain liability coverage must agree to indemnify and hold harmless the City of Pontotoc, the Pontotoc County Chamber of Commerce/Main Street Association, and the Pontotoc Farmers Market in the event of any legal action arising from their participation in the Market.

14. Youth Market: For vendors 18 years of age and younger participating in our Youth Market, market management will supply canopies (if needed) along with tables, tablecloths, produce bins, chairs (if needed) and a method of advertising prices.  Market management will work to assign a mentor to assist youth vendors on market day.  Youth will be responsible for their products and change.