What Defines a Farmers’ Market in Massachusetts

Insurance

Overview of Insurance at Farmers’ Markets, from USDA
You will find detailed information about liability insurance for farmers’ markets on page 18 of this document.

Mass Farmers Markets offers a liability insurance program for farmers’ markets
(Click “For… Market Managers” > “Market Applications”)
Farmers market liability insurance helps insulate each vendor from legal action in case of incidents occurring in relation to the market. Members of Mass Farmers Markets get a discount on liability insurance fee (see first document on their application page for membership application).

Permits

Farmers’ Market Regulatory Review, from MDAR
This document outlines safe food handling practices and guidelines for food sampling and demonstrations. It includes an application for a farmers’ market to receive a retail permit from the Boston Inspectional Services Department.
Questions: Contact Diane Chalifoux (see Contact Information)

Live Entertainment License
The City of Boston website provides license applications, including a number of license forms for live entertainment.

Food Labeling Requirements
This document describes what must be stated on food packaging if a vendor is selling packaged food. Food allergens that must be pointed out are milk, egg, peanuts, soybeans, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, and wheat. Also included is a list of contact information for questions on labeling.

Policy for Selling Shellfish
The Department of Public Health provides a description of the rules surrounding the sale of shellfish at farmers’ markets.

Shellfish FAQ
The Department of Public Health outlines the process of applying for a permit to sell shellfish.

Wine Permits
See page 3 of the document for information on applying for a wine permit