A well run Farmers’ Market can provide a great opportunity for consumers to access fresh, wholesome farm goods and for farmers to make a good profit by eliminating the middle man. Most markets are known for in season fruits, veggies, flowers and plants, as well as homemade baked goods, canned goods and hand crafts. What about meat? Is it legal for farmers to sell meat at the Farmers’ Market? Is it safe to buy? How to sell meat at a Farmers Market?
In this article, we explore the subject of selling meat at the Farmers’ Market. Read on to learn more.
What You'll Learn Today
Safety is Key to Successful Farmers’ Market Meat Sales
It is possible sell meet at the Farmers’ Market, but you must make sure that the market you have in mind will allow it. Check to find out what all of the rules and regulations surrounding meat sales with the market are.
Here are the most pertinent questions to ask:
1. How must meat be transported and stored?
You may be able to simply bring the meat that you produce at home to the market in a chest cooler and offer it for sale; however, there are some markets that require you to use an electrically powered chest freezer.
Additionally, some markets allow you to sell fresh meat while others insist that the meat must be frozen.
2. Must the meat you sell come from your farm?
Some Farmers’ Markets require that items sold be locally produced. Others will allow vendors to purchase produce and other items wholesale and resell them.
In most markets, if you are going to sell poultry and rabbit meat, you must have raised the animals yourself and you must have the meat processed by a certified facility.
3. What kind of certification is required?
Sale of Meat products may require federal inspection and stamping before sale. It’s very important that farmers contact the county board of health to determine exactly what they need in order to sell their goods.
At certified Farmers’ Markets, all meat sold must be processed by a federally inspected facility. It must also be clearly labeled as having been processed at that facility.
4. Will my market fees be higher if I sell meat?
In some markets, there is a certified section that is especially intended for the sale of fresh, homegrown meat that has been properly processed by a certified facility.
At Farmers’ Markets where this is the case, you would sell your meats in the certified section the Farmers’ Market, and your fees may be higher.
5. Must all meat products be certified?
There may also be a community section of the market where meat products that contain other ingredients, such as the spices and other dry ingredients included in sausage may be sold without certification.
This would be sausage that is produced from livestock that has been raised by the seller, but it might include powdered ingredients that are commercially prepared. This type of meat product is called a “value-added” meat product and must be produced in an acceptable facility.
6. Can I offer samples of my meat products at the Farmers’ Market?
If you offer samples, you may be required to obtain a temporary food facility permit.
Farmers’ Market Rules, Guidelines & Regulations Vary
Most of the information contained here is gleaned from guidelines presented by Sonoma County, California. Requirements vary from state to state and county to county. Be sure to check with your local authorities for the most up to date information pertinent to your location.
Selling Meat at Farmers’ Market
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Some Benefits of Selling Meat at a Farmers’ Market?
Selling fresh meat at local farmers’ markets gives you an opportunity to meet with customers face to face, answer any questions they may have, and convince them of the high quality of your products.
It also gives you the chance to network with other local farmers, promote your farm in your community, and potentially develop a clientele of returning customers as you develop good working relationships with those you meet.
Why Do People Buy Meat at a Farmers’ Market?
One of the top reasons customers purchase their meat products at farmers’ markets is because of the quality. Farmers’ market meats are typically fresher than those sold at the grocery store, and they typically contain fewer harmful additives such as antibiotics and hormones since most local farmers sell pasture-raised meat.
People also like to buy meat from farmers’ markets for the same reason they buy other products: they like to support local farmers, gardeners, and craftsmen in their efforts to earn a living and sell high-quality goods.
How Do You Price Meat to Sell at a Farmers’ Market?
The prices you set for your meats will depend on various factors, such as production costs, permits, booth fees, and marketing costs. You may also want to consider how much stores and other farmers are charging for similar products and choose a similar price tag.
If you’re going to charge more than the market value for your meats, you’ll need to have a good reason for doing so; for example, organic meats are generally priced higher than non-organic meats. Generally speaking, you’ll want to set your prices higher than the production costs so you make a profit, but not so high that potential customers are put off by your prices.
What Equipment Do You Need to Sell Meat at a Farmers’ Market?
Keeping your meat fresh during many hours spent at the farmers’ market is extremely important. To do this, you’ll need the proper equipment not only for displaying your goods, but for storing those that aren’t on display and receiving payment from customers.
Some of the equipment you’ll want to think about using include coolers and heating or refrigeration equipment, as well as bags, boxes, or other containers for customers to transport your products after buying them. A cash box or bag is also an essential item to have on hand, and if you plan to accept credit or debit card payments you’ll need a portable card reader as well.
What Are Some Tips for Selling Meat at a Farmers’ Market?
It’s a good idea to limit your product choices so customers don’t feel overwhelmed by the options. Offer a few basic choices, and give customers samples when possible, as this can also increase sales.
Offering jerky can be a great way to sell your meats while saving space. You won’t have to worry about the jerky spoiling, and it’s also easy to give away samples since the meat has already been processed and customers can try it on the spot.
Whenever I have time, I always visit the local farmer’s market to purchase meat and veggies. Foods are always way fresher than those sold in supermarkets.