Whether you manage or sell at a farmers market, it is important to consider your legal and regulatory risks. This page will provide state and national resources to get you started with a risk-management strategy.
Risk-Management Tools
Understanding what your risks are is the first step in risk management. The following resources will get you started.
Tips about Farm Business Structures, ATTRA Website
Marketing and Business, ATTRA Website
Farmers Market Legal Toolkit Website
Insurance for Food Safety Liability on Direct Market Farms, Farm Commons Website
Regulations and Permitting Information
Many regulations related to selling or managing a farmers market are handled at the state and local levels. These resources will help you get to the right place:
Montana Resources and Regulations
Vendor selling anything with roots in soil? Check out Nursery Licensing requirements:
- Nursery Program, Montana Department of Agriculture Website
- Nursery Program Information, Montana Department of Agriculture, (pdf direct download)
Vendor selling produce? Learn more about licensing requirements and produce safety inspection/education:
- Produce Program, Montana Department of Agriculture Website
- Produce Safety Program, Montana Department of Agriculture Website
- Farmers Market Guidelines 2022 Food & Consumer Safety, DPHHS, (pdf direct download)
Vendor Selling Cottage Foods?
Cottage Food Laws and Resources, Department of Health and Human Services Website
Montana State and County Sanitarians, Department of Health and Human Services Website
Alternative Energy Resources Organization Cottage Food Technical Assistance Video Series
National Resources
Food Safety
Every food and produce vendor wants to keep customers safe at farmers markets. Recently, national regulations have required specific food safety protocols to be in place for many producers. There are exemptions, however. The following resources can help you get started. The protocols provide a helpful checklist regardless of exemption.
Food Safety Resources, ATTRA Website
Produce Safety Alliance, Cornell University Website
Farmers’ Guide to Food Safety Liability: ID, MT, and WA, Farm Commons Website