Downtown Casper Community Farmers Market Regulations
PO Box 32 - Casper, WY 82602
www.cprdowntownfarmersmarket.com
cprdowntownfarmersmarket@gmail.com

The Downtown Casper Community Farmers Market (DCCFM), herein referred to as the Market, is governed by the DCCFM Committee and operated by the DCCFM Market Manager.  The DCCFM was organized by the Committee with assistance and services from the Casper Downtown Development Authority and the City of Casper to provide a safe and centrally located venue for the direct exchange of locally produced commodities between local producer and the residents of Casper and surrounding municipalities.  During evenings of operation, the Market operates in downtown Casper, Wyoming on the grounds of the Nicolaysen Art Museum and on property owned by the City of Casper.  The Market provides an opportunity for local residents to procure fresh produce and locally produced food products within the Casper downtown area.  This arrangement aims to achieve a mutually beneficial relationship of direct interaction between producers and shoppers in a relaxed and entertaining social atmosphere that fosters social gathering and interaction, greater understanding of the processes used to produce agricultural commodities, improved marketing opportunities for producers and vendors, and creates a friendly, convenient place for producers and shoppers to know and learn from one another. 

The DCCFM operates as a “Producer Only Market” meaning that products allowed for sale are produced by the vendor on his/her owned, rented , or borrowed lands or that of his/her neighbor.  Non-food items, crafts, and plants must be created using materials that were grown, collected, produced, and sold by the vendor on his/her owned, rented, or borrowed lands or that of his/her neighbor.  A vendor may “carry” produce from other local farmers but may not vend wholesale or commercially bought items.  The terms “local producer” and “local good” are given the geographic bounds of Wyoming and contiguous surrounding states. 

The following vendor regulations are to be read carefully and signed by each vendor. The signed portion must be submitted to the DCCFM Committee prior to vending at the Market. Your signature represents the record of your agreement to abide by these regulations set forth by the DCCFM Committee in exchange for permission to vend at the event. The Market reserves the right to alter the market regulations with notification at any time. 

1. Dates/Time of Operation:
1. The DCCFM will be held over a 10-week season beginning the third Tuesday of July and ending on the forth Tuesday of September 2008 (7/22 – 9/23).
2. The DCCFM takes place every Tuesday evening from 5 pm until 8 pm, rain or shine.
3. Vendors with pre-assigned space are required to be present in their spaces by 4:30 pm.  Any space that does not have its assigned vendor present by 4:30 pm will be reallocated/reassigned by the Market Manager.  ­All vendors are required to be set up and ready for business by 4:45 pm.
4. For safety reasons, vendors are to remain throughout the duration of the market period, except in cases of extreme need or emergency. Permission to leave the market prior to the agreed market closing time will be determined by the Market Manager. Musicians and entertainers will be allowed to leave after the completion of their set but must also do so with caution and courtesy, being respectful not to cause undo disruption.
5. Any vendor that has been allowed to leave the market early will do so by walking items out of the market area. 
6. Driving through the market area between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm is prohibited.
7. Absolutely no parking, unloading, stopping, or idling is allowed at the Skyline Towers at the corner of Beech St and Collins St. Doing so will result in a warning, disciplinary action, and ultimately expulsion from the Market.

1. VENDOR PARTICIPATION FEES
1. Upon application approval each vendor will purchase a vendor space for a market event, heretofore deemed a “session”.
2. Vendor spaces may be purchased in blocks of 10 sessions for $12.00 per session, 5 sessions at $15.00 per session, or 3 sessions for $20.00 per session. Single sessions may be purchased for $25.00 per session.  
3. Purchased vendor sessions must be used consecutively unless prior arrangements are agreed upon between the Market Manager and the Vendor.

1. Location/vendor spaces:
1. The DCCFM is located in downtown Casper on the Nicolaysen Art Museum property at 400 E Collins 82601 in the city block bounded by S Kimball, E Collins, Beech St, and 1st St.  Producers with large trailers are encouraged to park along the curve at the South East side of the property at the merger of E Collins and S Kimball streets.  Smaller operations may park along Beech St or in the Nicolaysen Art Museum parking lot at the corner of Beech and Collins streets.
2. Unloading and loading may occur in the back driveway of the Nicolaysen Art Museum located at the Northeast side of the building off of S Kimball. This area is a high traffic area and speed is of importance so that all may utilize this area equally.
3. All vendor space assignments are issued by the Market Manager upon application approval. Spaces are located in Rows 1 thru 4 along the Rails to Trails area North of the Nicolaysen Art Museum Building Beech Street and Rows 1 and 2 in the courtyard square on the East side of the Nicolaysen Art Museum.
4. The highest priority for assignment of permanent spaces is given to vendors who are committed to attending the majority of the market events, having submitted payment and/or having established the attendance record of the weeks during the market season. Waiting lists for space changes adhere to the same priority. Vendors utilizing generators will be placed in the outer spaces of the market. Vendors who attend less than half or full season may have a different space assignment each week that they attend.
5. Any vendor who is absent for 3 or more committed Market days without giving advance notice forfeits the right to his/her current space assignment.
6. Vendor space dimensions are approximately 10 feet wide by 8 feet deep but may be altered to facilitate organization and space requirements.
7. Booth space frontage should be consistently lined up with neighboring vendors along the row, and at a reasonable boundary. Clearance must be kept for crowds, accessibility and safety.
8. Vendors must check in with the Market Manager or his/her designee prior to unloading to receive booth assignments. 
9. Vendors must be self-sufficient as electricity cannot be provided at this time.  Vendors using generators to provide power must notify the Market so that generator users can be grouped.  Any vendor utilizing a cord to electrical power must secure the cord tightly and safely to the ground.
10. Safety in your market space is of utmost concern. Obstructions such as cords, equipment, trailers must be organized and set up to avoid hazards.
11. Cleanup after a market event is a reflection of your respect of the market and of your willing participation. Failure to clean up your area when you leave will result in a fine of $25. Continued infraction will result in forfeiture of the vendor’s space. 
12. Parking can be found along the closed section of S Kimball and E Collins and in the Nicolaysen lot at the Southwest corner of the property.

1. LABELLING REQUIREMENTS
1. Vendors agree to label their goods with the farm or operation from where they were produced.
2. Prices will be posted for goods.
3. Labeling products as “organic” will require certain proof of the production environment and may require further certification as determined by the Market Manager.

1. Items requiring special permits
1. Any prepared food to be sold (including but not limited to: cut vegetables, breads, jams, jellies, honey, salsa, and samples) must be prepared in an inspected kitchen and be accompanied with the proper valid temporary or annual food service permit.
2. The sale of seeds necessitates the proper permits from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and must meet the regulations of the Wyoming Seed Law.
3. The sale of plants (does not include cut flowers or plant parts grown or offered for consumption as human food or as feed for animals) necessitates the proper permits from the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and must meet the regulations of the and the Wyoming Nursery Stock Law
4. All questions concerning permitting of items to be sold at the market may be directed towards the Wyoming Business Council and Consumer Health Services (http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/) at 307-777-7211 Technical Services 307-777-7324 or the Casper-Natrona County Health Department (http://www.casperhealth.com/) at 475 S. Spruce St. Casper, WY 82601 Tel: (307) 235-9340 Fax: (307) 237-2036

1. VIOLATIONS, NON-COMPLIANCE, PENALTIES

It is in the best interest of all parties that all disagreements and disputes be resolved in a timely fashion with a minimum of intrusion or disciplinary action.  However, in the instance that this goal cannot be met with simple verbal agreement, the DCCFM and/or the Market Manager reserve the right to impose certain penalties until the issue is properly settled.  

1. Vendors agree to abide by the rulings of the Market Manager.
2. Every effort will be made to resolve disputes in a fair and equitable fashion but continued infraction will result in further action.
3. Vendors may be given verbal warning, fined, suspended of removed from any market or have selling privileges conditioned or limited by the Market Manager or his/her designee for failure to obey or conform to local, county, or state laws, or the market rules and regulations. A vendor is responsible for the actions of its employees.
4. Offenses, depending on the gravity of the violation, will be dealt with using verbal warning of potential disciplinary action. Failure to correct the subject of violation after two verbal warnings will result in a sliding scale of fines beginning at $25 for each offense, suspension of vendor authorization, and possible expulsion from future market events.
5. Violations include but are not limited to:
1. selling products not preapproved by the DCCFM
2. not showing up without notifying the DCCFM
3. lack of permits or not displaying proper permits
4. not posting prices
5. price gouging
6. non-compliance with health regulations
7. non-compliance with local, county, state, or market regulations
8. failure to keep oil or other substances from staining/ruining the ground, concrete, or pavement
6. Any damages resulting from vendor operations to City of Casper property or Nicolaysen Art Museum property are the responsibility of said vendor and will be adequately replaced, cleaned, or repaired at the vendor’s expense.  If steam cleaning or other cleanup/repairs are required due to vendor action, that cost will be the responsibility of that vendor.
1. GREIVANCES
1. A written grievance may be submitted to the DCCFM following a violation.
2. The DCCFM board will review the grievance within two weeks of the violation and will allow the grieving party a chance to state their case and make a plea. This will require a separate meeting and will depend upon the availability of a 2/3 quorum of DCCFM board members to rule on the case.
3. The decision of the DCCFM shall be final.     

A. GROWER:

A grower sells products such as produce, eggs, meat, flowers, and/or plants. Sales of meat, eggs, and dairy are highly regulated in the State of Wyoming and adequate licensure is required to sell these items at the market.  All items must be grown or produces by the vendor in Wyoming or surrounding states.  A grower is not allowed to purchase products from a supplier and resell the items at Market.
 
Growers agree to have his or her farm/operation inspected by the Market Inspector at any time with or without notice.  Inspection is done merely to provide evidence that the products sold at the Market are grown/produced by the vendor or his/her neighbor on their designated properties.  To ensure coordination, new growers must apply at least two weeks prior to the first day that they wish to attend Market.  Vendors are not obligated to provide any trade secrets or personal growing methods to the Market Inspector.  In order to monitor existing growers, inspections may also be conducted on their properties, under coordination and appointment made by the Market Manager.

All food items must comply with appropriate local, state, and federal health regulations. For local regulations, please contact the:
State of Wyoming Casper-Natrona County Health Department
http://www.casperhealth.com/
475 S. Spruce St
Casper, WY 82601
Tel: (307) 235-9340
Fax: (307) 237-2036
Hours:
Mon.-Wed.-Fri.
8:00am - 5:00pm

Tues. - Thurs.
7:30am - 6:30pm

All local, state, and federal food/health safety requirements must be met prior to applying for the Market.  Food license, permit, and certification copies must be attached to the Market application and are the responsibility of the vendor.  Applicable permits must be kept with the vendor and may be requested at any time.  Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action.
Products sold by weight must comply with the standards of the State of Wyoming for sales by weight.  All scales must be legal and certified prior to participation in the Market.

B. NON-GROWER:

The DCCFM encourages a variety of quality goods to be sold. All items must be homegrown, handmade, and/or vendor-created from locally owned operations in Wyoming or contiguous surrounding states. Examples of approvable items include homegrown fruits, vegetables, and flowers.  Plants, baked goods, prepared foods and homemade goods may be sold but will require the proper permit and prior approval by the Market Manager and the DCCFM board. 

A non-grower sells products such as baked goods and prepared foods and limited home-made items with approval of the Market Manager. These vendors may also sell beverages with their food items.  Sale of alcohol will be managed by a separate party.  Individual vendors may not sell alcoholic beverages.  A non-grower is not allowed to purchase products from a supplier and resell the items at Market.

Sales of Hand Crafted Items are to be limited at the DCCFM at the discretion of the DCCFM and the Market Manager. All craft products must be handcrafted/created in Wyoming or the contiguous bordering states by the vendor.  Any and all craft items must have prior approval from the Market Manager and the DCCFM prior to market operation.  Returning craft vendors must have all new items approved before they are sold at the Market.

New non-growers must apply at least one week prior to the first day that they wish to attend Market. Non-growers do not have to be inspected in order to attend the Market. However, if a product is does not have the “made in Wyoming or surrounding states criteria”, an inspection may be scheduled or proof of production requested. 

All food items and food preparation must comply with appropriate local, state, and federal health regulations. For local regulations, contact the Wyoming Department of Health at or visit their website at http://www.casperhealth.com/. All local, state, and federal food/health safety requirements must be met prior to applying for the Market. Food license, permit, and certification copies must be attached to the Market application.

For vendors who create/prepare hot food on site at the Market, an allowance to sell beverages such as soda may be given by the Market Director. Baked goods and prepared foods must be made using an inspected kitchen and adhere to all Public Health regulations.  Proper safeguards must be established to protect the ground, concrete, pavement, and landscaping owned by the City of Casper or managed by the Nicolaysen Art Museum. Any damages are the responsibility of the vendor to rectify, or, if the DCCFM is charged to steam clean, repair, or replace any item, that cost will be levied to the responsible vendor.

All non-growers must have a Wyoming or state of origin Business Tax (IBT) number and are required to collect and pay all sales tax related to items sold at the Market. These taxes MUST be reported to the Wyoming Department of Revenue. For business registration forms, contact Kim Porter (kim.porter@wybusiness.org), Leadership & Development Program Manager of the Wyoming Business Council.  Phone: 307.777.6319 or visit http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/ag/ag_farmersmarket.aspx. The IBT number must be listed on the Market application.