What is a certified market?
To be identified as a certified farmers' market, a market must have two or more farmers selling Connecticut Grown fresh produce per Section 22-6r of the Connecticut General Statutes. This article explains the benefits of certified farmers' markets and details how to certify your farmers' market.
- Please note advertising of non-Connecticut Grown products for sale as Connecticut Grown products carries a fine of up to $1,000 per commodity.
Benefits of operating a certified farmers' market
- Listing in the Department of Agriculture (DOAG) Farmers' Market Brochure
- Listing on the CT Grown website
- Additional marketing and promotional opportunities
- Market usage of the CT Grown logo
- An option to participate in supplemental food programs including the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
- “Farmer’s kiosk” designation: This designation allows certified farmers' markets to sell exempt items (PDF). Without this designation, off-farm sales of these products are prohibited.
- Farmer and vendor recruitment resources
- Support in dealings with other government agencies (federal, state, and local)
Types of certified markets
There are two different types of certified farmers' markets: Producer Only and Exempt.
- Producer Only: A market where farmers and vendors can only bring what they produce.
- Exempt: A market where vendors can sell products they didn't grow themselves. Anything purchased and brought to the market must be Connecticut Grown.
Non-certified farmers' markets
Non-certified farmers' markets allow:
- Out-of-state farmers to participate
- And/-or allow the sale of non-Connecticut Grown farm products
Become a certified farmers' market
Farmers' markets committed to CT Grown farm products that wish to be identified as “certified farmers' markets” should review the Farmers' Market Reference Guide (PDF) for all required information.
If you’re interested in certifying your market, please contact DoAg:
- Erin Windham
- Phone: 860-713-2543
- Email: Erin.Windham@ct.gov
- OR Ally Hughes
- Phone: 860-713-5827
- Email: Allison.Hughes@ct.gov
More resources
- For more details on certified farmers' markets and requirements, please view the Farmers' Market Reference Guide (PDF).
- View Connecticut statutes related to farmers' markets.
