Market Guidelines
Information for vendors, farmers, and shoppers. Adopted March 10, 2014. Amended October 7, 2024.
Market Objectives
- 1.Provide equal opportunity for participation and profitability by farmers to sell their products directly to consumers.
- 2.Be regional in nature, actively encouraging participation by farmers from the geographic area surrounding the market.
- 3.Provide a pleasant, family-appropriate atmosphere in which customers may visit and select from a wide variety of sellers and products.
- 4.Market management will neither regulate nor influence product prices.
- 5.Be a good neighbor and sensitive to the community in which it is located.
Vendor Policies
Eligibility
The market is open to vendors from Vance, Franklin, Warren, Granville, Mecklenburg County, VA counties. Vendors from other NC counties will be considered on a space-available basis.
Fees & Spaces
- $20 annual application fee, due at least 3 business days before first sale day
- No daily setup fee
- Up to two vendors may share a space
- A single vendor may rent a maximum of two spaces
- Maximum of four spaces for craft vendors per market day
Hours & Setup
- Market hours: Wednesday & Saturday, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Doors open at 7:00 AM for vendor setup
- Vendors must clean and vacate their space by 2:00 PM
Key Requirements
- Vendors must grow or craft at least 51% of merchandise sold
- Must clearly display farm/business name and contact information
- Must display prices clearly for all items
- Vendor must be at least 16 years old (exception for family members age 12+)
- Products sold by weight require scales inspected by NCDACS
- No alterations to the building (drilling, nailing, painting, taping)
- Keep sales area clean; remove all debris/trash at end of market day
- No pets other than service animals (exception for 4-H events on non-market days)
- No consumption of alcoholic beverages on market premises
Liability & Insurance
Vendors assume all liability arising from the sale or use of their products. Neither Vance County nor its employees accept responsibility for any vendor loss. Vendors are strongly encouraged to obtain liability insurance.
Items Approved for Sale
Fresh produce
Fresh and dehydrated vegetables, fruits, herbs, and nuts. Dehydrated items require a commercial grade food dehydrator.
Flowers & plants
Fresh or dried flowers, potted plants, trees. Nursery items must come from an NCDACS-inspected nursery.
Meat & dairy
Farm-raised meat, farm-raised dairy, and seafood. Must comply with all USDA and NCDACS requirements.
Baked goods
Must be wrapped (not frozen), produced in an NCDACS-inspected kitchen, and labeled with vendor name and ingredients.
Preserved foods
Jams, jellies, pickles, and other acidified foods. Must be certified through NCSU Acidified Foods School. Low-acid canned foods may NOT be sold.
Honey
Locally produced honey.
Eggs
Must be maintained at 45 degrees or less.
Handmade crafts
Quality handmade craft items, with prior approval by the Market Manager.
Wine
Produced by the vendor. NO resale, no tasting or sampling. Must have appropriate permits (e.g. ABC).
Food trucks
Must meet all state and county guidelines. Maximum one food truck per market day; rotation schedule if multiple vendors.
Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
The SFMNP provides $5 vouchers to eligible older adults (age 60+) to purchase fresh, locally grown produce at certified farmers' markets. Season: July 1 - September 30.
Eligible for SFMNP Vouchers
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Fresh mushrooms and microgreens
- Raw, local honey
- Fresh-cut herbs
NOT Eligible for SFMNP Vouchers
- Eggs, meat, nuts, seeds
- Jelly, jam, baked goods
- Plants, seafood, cheese, flowers
- Processed, heated, or cooked foods
2026 vouchers are ivory colored. Each voucher is $5, with one $50 booklet per participant per season. Customers must sign the front before redeeming. No change given.
WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (eFMNP)
WIC customers can use eFMNP benefits to buy fresh, NC-grown fruits and vegetables. Season: May 1 - October 30. $30 per participant. Cards have a QR code linked to the benefits portal. Look for the "NC FMNP Benefits Accepted Here" poster.
SNAP/EBT Benefits
The Vance County Regional Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT benefits. Visit the Market Information Table on market day for assistance.
Location
210 Southpark Drive, Henderson, NC 27536
Near S. Beckford Dr., close to the Social Security office and Dialysis Center
NCDA&CS Contact Numbers
Nondiscrimination
Illegal discrimination of any kind by users of the facility will not be tolerated. In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA regulations, the USDA and its agencies are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, or political beliefs. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Ready to join the market?
Submit Vendor Application