Market Governance

1. The Marigold Market in Winterville, Ga., is sponsored by the city of Winterville and operated as a component of the Marigold Collective Inc., which is a registered 501 (c) (3).

2. The mission of the Marigold Market is to engage families and students of Winterville in interactions with a sustainable and affordable food system. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, our products reflect different cultures in the greater Athens community, and the market connects citizens to educational opportunities within its sister Marigold Collective components.

General Operations

1. The market is located at Pittard Park, 115 Parkview Road in Winterville, Georgia. The market will operate every Saturday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and will run in 2024 from April 6 - Dec. 14.

2. Vendors must arrive by 8 a.m. and must be set up in time for the 9 a.m. start. Vendors must stay for the duration of the market, unless approved by the Market Manager. Inclement weather may shorten the market.

3. Vendors must notify the manager that they will not be attending the market no later than 24 hours prior to the date unless something occurs that qualifies as an emergency.

4. Early sales are permitted.

Who can sell at the market

1. The Marigold Market is a producer-only market. Vendors allowed to sell at the market are farmers, value-added producers, artisans, and craft vendors.

2. Types of products that can be sold at the market include fresh produce, USDA approved meat, dairy and value-added products, products grown and/or created by the vendor. Farm brokering will only occur through negotiations with the Marigold Market.

3. Georgia law requires that sellers must have all required Business, Health Department, Georgia Department of Agriculture, USDA, and any other applicable Federal, State, or Local licenses. Baked goods, jams, and jellies require at least a cottage food license and food handler safety certificate. Value-added products such as dried tomatoes, sauces, BBQ, pastas, chicken, meat, honey and eggs, and prepared food vendors must have appropriate food sales licenses and adhere to all applicable Federal, State and Local laws and requirements. Vendors must submit a copy of all inspection forms and licenses if selling prepared foods.

4. All applicable food safety regulations, both state and local, must be adhered to at all times.

5. All applicable licenses and permits for products sold must be obtained and kept current. Copies of licenses and permits will be kept on file with the market manager.
   

Guidelines for Selling

1. Vendors will be on site at 8 a.m. and set up in time for the 9 a.m. start. Vendors cannot leave their booths unattended for long periods of time. Vendors must clearly display applicable licenses. Vendors must keep displays up until the end of market.

2. Vendors are required to have signage showing their farm information including certifications such as Certified Naturally Grown or Organic.

3. Each vendor will be responsible for all equipment and supplies for the set up of a booth. Required equipment includes tent, table, weights, and appropriate signage. Displays should be constructed in such a way that they do not block customer walkways nor pose any other hazards to customers.

4. If vendors use samples, food handler safety certification must be current and standards must be followed.

5. Vendors are required to keep their market space neat and clear of obstacles, litter, and debris.

6. Produce is required to be off the ground to be sold. Exception are for heavy items only, such as large melons, large squash and pumpkins.

7. Sellers must post prices. While it is expected that prices will be fair to consumers, the seller and fellow sellers, collusion among sellers to attempt to influence prices is strictly prohibited.

8. No hawking, proselytizing or amplified music is permitted at the market. Only music that is pre-approved by the Market Manager may be played.

9. All products offered for sale must be of good quality and condition. The Market Manager reserves the right to direct any inferior goods be removed from display. Failure to removed products deemed inferior will be reported to the market’s governing body and may result in loss of market privileges.

10. Insurance is not required. Liability insurance is the sole responsibility of individual vendors. Vendors must agree to and sign the liability waiver before selling at market.

11. Vendors are responsible for the actions of their representatives, employees, and agents.

12. For a complete list of all guidelines, please click here.