If you’re interested in being a vendor at this year’s Hernando Farmers Market, you need to be aware of the annual Farmers Market Vendor Meeting. The meeting will cover vendor guidelines and the application process required to take part.
As a Mississippi Certified Market, accredited by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, the Hernando Farmers Market can offer unique incentives that other markets in the state may not qualify for.
The state requires farmers markets to adhere to specific guidelines based on the types of products sold. Representatives from key state agencies will be present to review these requirements and answer questions.
This applies to vendors selling fresh and processed foods, as well as craft businesses. Vendors selling food products must complete a General Food Safety Class before participating in the Hernando Farmers Market. Vendors selling canned foods must also complete an Acidified Foods Training after the general food safety class.
Partnering Agencies & Topics Covered:
Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce – Guidelines for selling meats, eggs, and produce; Genuine MS program; Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers; on-site inspection and certification of mobile refrigeration units for protein products; certification and calibration of scales.
Mississippi Department of Revenue – Tax permit requirements for craft vendors.
DeSoto County MSU Extension – Support for farmers and the market’s role in the local agricultural community.
Hernando Farmers Market – Guidelines of the market, SNAP and Double Up Snap program, POP program, market data.
Meeting Details:
Date: Thursday, March 6
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:40 AM
Location: City Hall, 475 West Commerce St., Hernando
Recognized for its excellence, the Hernando Farmers Market was voted Mississippi’s Favorite Farmers Market and has been ranked 13th nationally by the American Farmland Trust. In 2017, it was acknowledged as the state’s largest market. Southern Living Magazine also highlighted it among “12 Farmers Markets In The South You Should Visit This Season,” praising its embodiment of “Mississippi small town living” at its finest.
