HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT HOW TO BE A VENDOR?

SEE BELOW FOR A LIST OF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

How long does it take to review the applications and get a response?

You should receive an automatic response from our applications platform as well as an invoice for your application fee. This is a good sign that you are in our system! From there, applications are monitored regularly by our Market Managers, however, they will only reach out if your product, organization, or activity is a good fit for our markets. If there isn’t an opportunity for your product, organization, or activity your application will remain on file for review if and when an opportunity arises.

Please note that in order for your application to be marked as ‘received’, you must pay your application fee. This fee is strictly for administrative purposes and does not guarantee a vendor space in our markets.

What category should I apply to?

PRODUCERS:

Certified Farmers and Producers who sell certified produce (fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, apiary products, cut flowers, nursery products) and or other agricultural products (poultry and meat products; aquacultural products; viticultural products; dried fruits and vegetables; juices, jams or other processed agricultural products) produced on land or waters owned, leased or licensed by the producer.

FOOD VENDORS:

Vendors who prepare food on-site or sell ready-to-eat and/or prepacked food items that have been prepared in a certified commercial kitchen.

ARTISANS:

Vendors who partly or entirely make or create nonfood items for resale.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:

Organizations with 501(c)(3) non-profit status wishing to spread the word about their work through information sharing or activities.

OTHER ACTIVITY:

Filming, author, chef/home cook demo, performer, arts and crafts, or other activity.

What kind of license is necessary to operate in your markets?

(Review ‘What category should I apply to?’ to confirm your vendor category.)

PRODUCERS:

Certified Producers Certificate/s (2nd Certificate if applicable). Additional Certifications, Permits and Licenses including but not limited to:

  • Organic Certification o Avocado Exemption

  • Egg Handler License o Nursery Stock License

  • Milk Handler License

Health Permits and Licenses for meat and/or prepackaged and processed foods (including a Seller’s Permit)

FOOD VENDORS:

Proof of Commercial Kitchen Space Use OR Public Health Operating Permit

ARTISANS:

Seller’s Permit from the Board of Equalization

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS:

  • Organizational Mission Statement

  • Letter of Determination from the IRS stating tax-exempt status

  • If accepted into the market, vendors are required to submit and maintain current status of the following documents:

    • ALL VENDORS:

      • City of Los Angeles Business License (Tax Registration Certificate) if applicable

      • Seller’s Permit from the Board of Equalization if applicable

      • Liability Insurance (with SEE-LA listed as additionally insured)

    • FOOD VENDORS ONLY:

      • Temporary Food Facility Permit

      • Mobile Food Facility Permit (if applicable)

Do you accept “Cottage Food” Vendors?

Yes. Please upload your current Cottage Food License to the Licenses tab of your profile.

Is there an application fee?

Yes, there’s a one-time non-refundable application fee of $25.00 dollars. This fee applies regardless of

how many markets you apply to. This fee helps to cover our administrative costs related to processing and reviewing new vendor applications and does not guarantee a vendor space in our markets.

Do I need to provide my own tent and table?

Yes. All Food Access LA Farmers’ Market Vendors are expected to have a full setup, which is usually: 10x10 tent, tables, display, and banner with the business’ name.

Producers are expected to adhere to all regulations set forth by the California Department of Food and Agriculture Direct Marketing Regulations. Food Vendors are expected to adhere to all regulations set forth by the LA County Department of Public Health.

Depending on what and how you sell, you may require additional permits and/or set up. All vendors are required to comply with Food Access LA Market Rules & Regulations. For more detailed information regarding Public Health permits and regulations, please review the Health Code Requirements for Community Events for LA County.

What if I already applied?

If you have recently applied through our ManageMyMarket application platform, there is no need to apply again your application will stay in our system. If your application was submitted prior to 2021, please apply again using this link to ensure we have your information on file.

Where do I apply for the necessary licenses?

Therearemanydifferententitiesthatprovidelicensesandpermitsthatarerequiredto participateina farmers’ market. We’ve included links below to some of the more common ones and encourage you to do your own research to find the best path forward for your business.

  • Community Event/Seasonal Event Permit

  • LA County Business License

  • Seller’s Permit

  • Certified Producer’s Certificate and other Agricultural related items

I want to film at one of your markets. Do I need to fill out an application?

Yes. Market Managers must approve all activities inside of the market. There are also additional rules and regulations as well as a fee associated with filming in the market.

I sell handmade bags what category vendor do I apply as?

You would be considered an artisan which is anyone who makes or creates a nonfood item that they would like to sell.

What are your market fees?

Producer stall fees are 7.25% of Gross Sales.
Food Vendor stall fees are 12% of Gross Sales.
Artisans are charged a flat fee that varies per market:

  • Atwater: $22

  • Crenshaw: $22 + 5% of sales

  • Echo Park: $22

  • Hollywood: $62 for those who make their own products, $92 for resellers

*All vendors contribute an additional operations fee and a $2 fee for the California Department of Agriculture (CDFA) certification.

What are the chances of getting accepted into a market?

We are unable to offer specific timelines due to various factors that are included in bringing in new vendors. Determining factors include, but are not limited to:

  • Space availability (please note that ‘holes’ in the market are often due to absent and/or seasonal vendors)

  • Under-represented products

  • Relevance to market community

  • Proximity to the market

Can I sell my CBD Products at the market?

At this time, we do not allow edible products containing CBD nor are we accepting new vendors who sell topical products containing CBD.

Our current policy allows only existing vendors and pop-up partners to sell topical products containing HEMP-BASED CBD. Marketing materials that attach medical claims to its use are strictly prohibited.

Can I bring food samples to the market?

No, thank you. So that we can give you our full and undivided attention and ensure the integrity of your product, tastings will be scheduled at our office location. We kindly request that applicants abstain from bringing samples to any location unannounced.