Learn how to start a farmers market, or join an existing one as a vendor.
Get your information together
It's a good idea to learn more about the rules and regulations for running a farmers market. You need to find a location and a manager before you can start a farmers market.
If you are looking to start a new farmers market — or renew an existing market — you need to complete our manager form:
Give us your application
You need to tell us what type of vendors you plan to have at your market and give us their vendor profiles. The form lists what other documents you may need give us with your application.
You can mail or bring everything to:
Office of Food Access
1 City Hall Square, Room 806, Boston, MA 02201
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Get any special permits you may need
After you submit your application, we'll tell you if you need to get any more permits. You may need to get permits for the special situations listed below:
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You need a Public Ways permit if your farmers market is on a sidewalk. |
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You need a Parks Permit if the market is in a City park. |
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If you plan to have amplified music playing, you need an entertainment license. |
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You'll need a permit if you plan to use a portable generator. You may also need a permit if you plan to hold cooking demonstrations. |
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If you have tent structures, they'll need to be approved by Inspectional Services and the Fire Department. |
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You may need a letter of support from Neighborhood Services. You may also need a contract for waste removal. Contact Neighborhood Services to find out. |
Before you get started
If you want to sell packaged or processed food at a farmers market, you'll need to apply for a vendor permit. You can apply as a new or returning vendor.
If you're selling food by weight, please learn about the rules from the Weights and Measures Division. If you questions, you can contact the division at 617-635-5300.
Complete the application
New vendors and returning vendors should fill out our farmers market vendor profile form. You will need to include any required documents we ask for in the form with your application.
If you already filled out a vendor profile but you want to sell your products at other farmers markets, please email Tracy Seneschal at Inspectional Services: tracy.seneschal@boston.gov
Find out what you will have to pay
Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) charges a $100 health fee per Farmers Market vendor.
Submit your application
Return the form to the farmers market manager of the location where you are applying. Your application will be processed with Inspectional Services:
Inspectional Services Department
1010 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02118
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Keep in mind
You can only sell bottled wine at a farmers market if the market is on private property. Call the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources at 617-626-1754 for more information.
The State Food Protection Program ensures a safe and wholesome food supply in Massachusetts. Contact the program at 617-983-6712 or FPP.DPH@state.ma.us.
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Contact:
Food Justice
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1 City Hall Square
Room 804Boston, MA 02201
