Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor with the Tucson Farmers’ Markets. Please follow the 5 steps of becoming a vendor.
***Please review our Vendor Handbook before submitting your application***
- Review vendor qualifications
- Understand market rules & regulations
- Submit vendor application(s)*
- Pending application review, potential vendor is notified of status
- New vendor orientation / audition
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At this time The Sunday Farmers’ Market at St. Philip’s Plaza is closed from accepting any more vendors.
Though we continue to accept applications throughout the season, they are evaluated on a case-by-case basis as time and market space allow. (Hint: the largest, busiest market does not always offer the best opportunity for new vendors).
Please note: at this time we are not accepting any applications for baked goods, dog treats, soaps, lotions, aromatherapy products, salsas, hot sauces, or jams.
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The Tucson Farmers’ Markets are devoted exclusively to vendors who sell farm produce, processed farm goods, cottage baked goods, fresh made condiments, salads, free-range and grass-fed beef, lamb, and poultry. Products such as lotions, soaps, candles, and sachets must be produced and processed by the vendor and must be classified as an agricultural commodity. Only consumable crafts are allowed in our various farmers’ markets. To ensure a dynamic balance within the market, space for craft commodities is limited. We can only accept vendors who are properly licensed to make/sell what they produce. If you are interested in food manufacturing or food preparation and sales, you must have an operating license from the Pima County Health Department or your local health department, a commercial kitchen, the correct business licensing permits for Tucson and Oro Valley, a tax ID number, and liability insurance.
GUIDELINES:
You must provide your own displays, tables and shade. Canopies and umbrellas are acceptable. Upon acceptance, all vendors are assigned spaces according to their individual requirements and space availability. Some electricity is available. All space assignments are at the discretion of the Market Manager.
WEEKLY 10 X 10 SPACE FEE:
- Tucson Farmers’ Market East – Friday $20
- Oro Valley Farmers’ Market – Saturday $30
- Tucson Farmers’ Market at Maynard’s – Saturday $30
- Tucson Farmers’ Market at St. Philip’s Plaza – Sunday $40
*Please fill out an application for each market that you wish to participate in.
If you meet the above requirements and have all the proper documentation, please submit your information packet to:
email: application@farmersmarkettucson.com
fax: 520.918.9812
mailing address: Tucson Farmers’ Market, 225 W. Flores St, Tucson, AZ 85705
APPLICATIONS:
- Tucson Farmers’ Market East – Friday pdf | Word
- Oro Valley Farmers’ Market – Saturday pdf | Word
- Tucson Farmers’ Market at Maynard’s – Saturday pdf
- Tucson Farmers’ Market at St. Philip’s Plaza - Sunday pdf | Word
Acceptance at one venue does not guarantee acceptance at another. Please allow a 1 to 2 week application processing time. If we should have any questions regarding your products, you may be asked to bring a sample to the market. If you wish, you may include a photo or small sample with your inquiry. Submitting an inquiry does not guarantee a formal invitation.
Criteria for Vendor Selection and Governance:
General Acceptance
TFM is committed to creating a diverse marketplace with the highest quality, locally produced products available. Although TFM will not be bound to apply a particular set of selection criteria in every instance and must reserve unconditional discretion to accept or refuse anyone as a TFM vendor, the Market considers many factors when evaluating vendor applications.
Agriculture
- Priority is given to those regional farmers and producers who bring product to market that is 100% grown and harvested on farmland that they own and/or operate.
Preference will be given to the most local producer when a space becomes available at the market, without compromising quality. - Farmers have priority over processed and on-premise prepared foods.
- Farmers who use environmentally responsible growing, breeding, raising, and harvesting methods will also have priority.
Product Quality and Presentation
- Consistently high product quality: fresh, flavorful, and ripe
- Clean and attractive displays
- Courteous, strong customer service, and knowledgeable staff
- Foster a connection between the producer and the consumer
Conduct and Compliance
- History of compliance with Market rules and federal, state, and local regulations
- Positive vendor conduct toward customers, fellow vendors, Market staff, and volunteers
- Timely submission of application, licenses, and other Market correspondence
Product Balancing
- Products that are unique or unusual
- Products not already represented in the market
- Duplicate products may be denied entry
- Product not readily available through national distribution channels
Food Safety
Adheres to the highest standards in safe food production and handling
Seniority
- Number of years vendor has sold at TFM
- Number of TFM markets at which vendor sells
- Attendance record
- History of compliance with Market rules
Space Availability
Admission to TFM is subject to space availability
Processed Foods:
Value-Added Farm Foods, Non-Farm Processed Foods, and On-Premise Prepared Foods
In addition to the factors and criteria for general vendor acceptance, processed food and on-premise prepared food must be submitted for product jury. This includes growers with value-added products. Products are evaluated on the following factors:
Ingredient Sourcing (in order of priority)
- Products available locally are expected to be sourced locally and directly from their producers
- Grown by processor
- Sourced from TFM market vendors
Production
Priority will be given to products processed by the vendor over products by a second party or co-packer.
Artisan Quality
Unique and handmade of the highest quality
Market Needs
- Product complements TFM’s mission – i.e. demonstrates our direct producer-to-consumer values and reflects seasonal availability of products.
- Market products balance and space availability.
- Labeling/Packaging
- Legal requirements (weight, ingredients, etc.)
- Low environmental impact
