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How to Apply Thank you for your interest in the Cooperstown Farmers' Market. Below you will find the following information:
2011 Season Summary and Expectations for 2012 Overall, 2011 was a busy year! We celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the market in June with a big party. Market attendance grew slightly over the previous year with an estimated 42,000 customers attending 55 markets that offered hundreds of local products. The market currently has 41 owner-operated agricultural and craft businesses stocking the shelves at the market. The market accommodates 27 stall spaces, so the demand for stalls is high.
Agricultural products in 2011 included meat and poultry of every cut-- fresh, smoked, dry-cured, and much of it organically grown. We offered beef, veal, pork, lamb, goat, and rabbit as well as chicken, duck, goose, turkey, eggs, and a variety of sausages. From the dairies we have many goat and cow cheeses, yogurt, and butter. Fresh seasonal produce included a diverse selection of fruits, berries, vegetables, herbs, cultivated mushrooms and micro sprouts, and spanned four seasons. We also have dried beans, flour, cold-pressed oils, maple products, honey, cider, plants and fresh flowers, home-baked treats, crafts like hand-made soaps, candles, knitwear and hand spun yarn. Also offered at the market is an assortment of ladies', children’s, and doll’s apparel, accessories and more. Customers have also expressed interest in other products-- see our product wish list for more information.
We have a large number of returning vendors to our Saturday summer markets, but we have opportunities for new part-time vendors. Spaces are also available at the winter markets on the first and third Saturdays of the month from January through April from 9:00 - 2:00.
The Cooperstown Farmers’ Market Philosophy Established in 1991 by the nonprofit organization Otsego 2000, the Cooperstown Farmers' Market has grown to a mature and vibrant market. Our customers value the direct connection between producer and consumer that lies at the heart of the market. The market has grown steadily over the years to become a mainstay of the community, participating in the local economy and providing fresh products in a friendly, small-town environment. Farmers Market Mission Statement: The mission of the Cooperstown Farmers' Market is to support local growers, producers and artisans by promoting and providing a marketing outlet for their goods, thereby aiding in the creation of sustainable farm operations in the Otsego county area. The goals of the market are to:
Vendor Prerequisites Inclusion in the Cooperstown Farmers’ Market is limited to producers within a 50-mile radius. The Market accepts applications from prospective vendors who wish to sell items in the following three categories:
Priority is given to agricultural vendors. Vendors grow or produce 100% of the goods they plan to sell at market; exceptions to the 100% rule are granted on a case-by-case basis by the Vendor Selection Committee. Entrepreneurial by nature, Cooperstown Farmers’ Market vendors are small owner-operated local businesses that produce the market’s inventory of food and craft items. Twenty-seven individual businesses meet in the market building to sell hundreds of products each market day. The three types of product vendors are defined this way: Agricultural Products The Agricultural Vendor grows and/or processes food and non-food agricultural products. Priority is given to agricultural vendors who process products on their own farm using their own ingredients. Third party processing is permitted - an example would be animals processed off the farm, milk made into cheese at a cheese-making facility, or berries made into jam at a commercial kitchen. Fresh-cut flowers are an example of a non-food agricultural product. Prepared Foods The Prepared Food Vendor makes their own value-added food product line. Priority will be given to food vendors who process products themselves using local ingredients. An example would be a baker that mills local wheat, or a jelly maker that buys local fruit. Crafts The Craft Vendor creates their own non-food product line from either purchased raw materials or, like the agricultural vendor, from raw materials they grow or raise themselves. An example would be a fiber farm that raises sheep or alpacas, spins yarn for sale and produces knit items. Our vendors design and execute items of the highest quality workmanship. Vendors are not permitted to resell commercially produced items. Items assembled from kits may not be sold but basic patterns may be used. Manufactured items may be incorporated in the craft work, such as jewelry findings, furniture hardware, and basic lotions, provided the majority of the product is handmade and reflects the skill of the craftsperson. Some manufactured “blanks” upon which vendors do their handiwork are permitted (i.e. clothing blanks, canvas bags, etc.) Artist’s reproductions must be clearly marked as such. 2012 Application Process Each year all vendors must submit an application and all necessary related materials by the deadline. This year the deadline is FEBRUARY 29, 2012. Only if a specific market need arises will applications be considered after the published deadline. Once submitted, the applications are reviewed for completeness of information. All complete applications will then be referred to the Vendor Selection Committee for review and to identify and resolve any product saturation issues. All new vendors and new products will be juried in March to ensure high quality and product diversity in the market. Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation letter five business days after their product is juried. All business information will be kept confidential. The committee is made up of six full-time vendors, the market manager, and a representative of the Otsego 2000 board. The 2012 Market Season Schedule The market operates year-round, beginning in May and ending in April of the following year, which follows the fiscal year of our sponsor organization, Otsego 2000.
To begin, it is recommended that you read the attached documents: NYS Required Permits Licensing Certifications A complete application package will include the following: 1. Completed Application Form and a non-refundable check for $25 2. Signed Inspection Agreement 3. Copies of all applicable NYS permits, licenses and certificates 4. Proof of Liability Insurance or a check for the Otsego 2000 insurance 5. Completed New York State Farmers' Market Crop Plan for all agricultural vendors 6. For a first-time applicant, photos of display, products, booth signage and, or brochure The completed application should be postmarked by February 29, 2012 to the attention of the Farmers' Market Manager at the address listed below. Market Manager, Lyn Weir may be reached at 607.547.6195 or market@otsego2000.org
OTHER AREA MARKETS SEEK VENDORS! Oneonta Farmers' Market: Contact Dana LeCroix, (607) 437-0158, www.OneontaFarmersMarket.com, Saturday markets Richfield Springs Farmers' Market: Unadilla Farmers Market: All applications and necessary related materials must be submitted by February 29, 2012.
The Cooperstown Farmers' Market
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