Q: Will all Santa Rosa Farmers Market Vendors be welcome in the new REFM market?
A: All current vendors will be welcome if they meet all State and County requirements, abide by the REFM rules and regulations and provide the market with proof of insurance endorsements naming REFM.
Q: Will the Wednesday and Saturday markets be Certified Farmers Markets?
A: Yes, the markets will be Certified Farmers Markets under the State of California rules and regulations. To learn about these rules, click here.
Q: What changes can vendors expect in the REFM markets?
A: There are a number changes that are anticipated: 1) We anticipate a more proactive marketing program to bring more potential customers to the markets. 2) We anticipate stricter enforcement of health and safety rules, producer certification rules, and market rules. 3) We expect more freindly competition in farm products as we are able to increase the customer base and introduce new vendors. 4) We will introduce a structured due process to handle vendor applications, vendor greivances, and vendor discipline that will protect the rights of vendors. 5) We anticipate making the markets more fun for consumers and vendors alike. 6) We anticipate more emphasis on quality both in products and in presentation.
Q: How is Redwood Empire Farmers’ Markets governed?
A: REFM is currently governed by a 3 member board with a steering committee of 18 members. Most of the committee members are current or past vendors in the Santa Rosa Farmers Market and many have served as board members. Click here to learn more.
Q: How will the final board be structured?
A: We anticipate having a 9 member board with 3 members elected by market vendors. An election for vendor board members will be held shortly after the markets open in July.
Q: Will new vendors be added to the REFM markets?
A: We anticipate making room for local farmers, ranchers and food producers who are not currently in the markets. Priority will be given to vendors who have been in the markets in the recent past. If all of the current vendors in the markets apply, we anticipate creating additional booth space in order to accomodate these new vendors.
Q: When will a REFM market manager be hired?
A: We anticipate hiring a market manager in June, 2012 with posting of the job opening by May 1.
Q: When will the REFM market rules and regulations be posted?
A: We expect to have our market rules ready for adoption by the end of March, 2012. There is a draft version on this website, but they have not been formally adopted awaiting approval by the County of Sonoma.
Q: Will the stall fees remain the same?
A: Yes, at least until Jan 2013 at which time we will be submitting a new budget, which will be approved by the board. While we do not anticipate changes in stall fees, the current fee structure does not allow for significant promotion of the markets, something that appears to be behind the low public attendance on Wednesdays.
