Great Brooks Farmers’ Market vendors do more than sell products—they help shape the overall feel of the market.

A great BFM vendor:

• Makes, bakes, or grows what they sell and takes pride in their craft

• Shows up consistently and is ready to welcome shoppers for the full market day

• Engages with customers, sharing their story, process, or passion

• Cares about presentation, knowing that a beautiful booth elevates the entire market

• Respects fellow vendors, staff, volunteers, and customers

• Understands their role in the bigger picture — helping the market be a destination, not just a stop

We look for vendors who see the market as a partnership. When vendors succeed, the market succeeds — and when the market succeeds, it brings more customers, stronger sales, and greater visibility for everyone.

You don’t need to be flashy. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present, prepared, and proud of what you bring to the table.

The Brooks Farmers’ Market operates under the Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market Program. This means:

• At least 80% of vendors must make, bake, or grow their products in Alberta; up to 20% may be approved complementary vendors

• Vendors must follow provincial food safety and labelling regulations

Compliance with these standards protects the integrity of the market and builds trust with shoppers and visitors.

Additional Provincial Requirements & Resources

The Brooks Farmers’ Market operates under the Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market Program, administered by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation. Vendors are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable provincial and federal requirements. The following resources provide the most current and complete information:

• Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market Program Guidelines(Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation)
•Alberta Health Services – Farmers’ Market Food Safety & Permits
• Alberta Food Safety Basics for Farmers’ Markets (online course)
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) – Food Labelling Requirements

Where market-specific rules differ from provincial requirements, the provincial requirements take precedence.

Links are provided for convenience; vendors are responsible for ensuring they are referencing the most current requirements.

Last updated: January 2026

We are intentional about curating a market that is Beautiful, Engaging, and a joy to shop.

As a Brooks Farmers’ Market vendor, you agree to:

• Represent your business professionally and honestly
• Sell only approved products listed in your application
• Be present, friendly, and engaged with shoppers
• Maintain a clean, safe, and visually appealing booth
• Be fully set up and ready to sell at the market start time
• Remain open for the full duration of the market unless permission is granted by the Market Manager
• Display your business name and phone number clearly at your booth
• Provide your own tables, tents, and appropriate weights
• Remove all garbage, produce waste, and materials, leaving your area cleaner than you found it
• Treat fellow vendors, staff, volunteers, and customers with respect

These expectations help create a market that people want to return to and talk about.

Your booth is part of the overall market experience.

We encourage vendors to:

• Use clean table coverings that reach the ground on three sides
• Display products clearly and attractively
• Use signage that clearly identifies your business and pricing
• Keep personal items out of sight where possible

A cohesive, welcoming look strengthens the market as a whole.

Food safety protects vendors, shoppers, and the integrity of the market. All food vendors are responsible for meeting Alberta Health Services (AHS) requirements.

This includes:

• Food Safety Training
All produce and prepared food vendors must have completed an approved food safety course. A copy must be submitted with your application and be available at each market. Certification must be current. Anyone offering food samples must also have completed the food safety course.

• Food Permits
Vendors selling products in high-risk food categories are required to obtain an AHS food permit. The health inspector will determine whether a permit is required and will follow up directly with applicable vendors. Please upload your AHS food permit with your application if applicable.

• Potentially Hazardous Foods
Prepared foods or baked goods that require refrigeration for safe storage are considered potentially hazardous and may not be sold without an approved AHS food permit (commercial kitchen).

• Labelling Requirements for Baked & Packaged Foods
All packaged baked goods must include a label with:
– A statement that the food is prepared in a home kitchen not subject to inspection
– A statement that the food is not for resale
– Name of the food product
– Date the food was prepared
– Name, business name, and contact information (email or phone) of the preparer

• Packaging Standards
All baking must be wrapped or packaged in new packaging. Individual snack items must be wrapped or covered to prevent contact with flies. All jarred products must be sold in new jars with new lids; reusing jars or lids is not permitted.

Vendors must be prepared to show documentation upon request.

• Vendor spaces are confirmed only once payment and required documents are received
• Vendor placement is determined by the Market Manager to maintain a balanced market mix
• Vendors may not sublet or assign their space to another vendor without approval
• If you are unable to attend, your space returns to the Market Manager for reassignment

Payment & Refund Policy
• Vendor fees cover administrative, planning, and market coordination costs incurred once an application is accepted
• Vendor fees are non-refundable once a space has been accepted and confirmed; however, credits may be issued as outlined below

Cancellation Policy

• 2–7 days’ notice: credit applied to a future market date
• Less than 48 hours’ notice: no credit issued

Consistent attendance supports smooth market operations and positive shopper expectations.

Season Vendor Rates
Season rates reflect a reduced per-market fee in recognition of a vendor’s commitment to attend multiple market dates. Because planning, scheduling, and market balance are based on this commitment, season fees are non-refundable and non-transferable once confirmed. Missed dates are not eligible for refunds or credits.

We encourage vendors to help bring the market to life by:

• Sharing your food or maker story with customers
• Offering tastings, demonstrations, or kid-friendly interactions where appropriate
• Participating in special market days, promotions, or themed events

These small moments create big memories and help grow our visitor appeal.

The Brooks Farmers’ Market is committed to a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.

Harassment, discrimination, unsafe behaviour, or repeated non-compliance with market rules will not be tolerated. The Market Manager reserves the right to address issues promptly and, if necessary, revoke vendor privileges to protect the market community.

Vendors participate at their own risk. The Brooks Farmers’ Market and its management are not liable for loss, injury, damage, or failure to sell goods occurring at the market.

Vendors are strongly encouraged to carry liability insurance. Alberta Farmers’ Market Association (AFMA) membership offers access to preferred rates through DUUO insurance.

By participating as a vendor, you grant permission for your business name, phone number, and email address to be used for product referrals and vendor directories on the Rosemary Agricultural Society website and by the Brooks Farmers’ Market.

You also grant permission for photos of you and/or your products to be used in Brooks Farmers’ Market and Rosemary Agricultural Society marketing materials, including social media and the website. Information and images will be used responsibly and protected, and may be used to inform vendors of other Brooks Farmers’ Market events and opportunities.

Acceptance of this section is required for inclusion in Brooks Farmers’ Market promotional materials.