Every Saturday, May 10^th – November 1^st

^{10 a.m. to 2 p.m.}

Arkell Museum Parking Lot

2 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie

Sponsored by Canajoharie-Palatine Bridge Chamber of Commerce

www.canpalc.com  673-4434

2008 Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks welcome

Vendors Are Invited to join our New Farmer's Market in Canajoharie

 CANAJOHARIE, NY - The Canajoharie – Palatine Bridge Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the establishment of the new Canajoharie Farmers’ Market, which will be held on Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of The Arkell Museum at Canajoharie, 2 Erie Boulevard.

Vendor applications are available from Michele McGlone at michelemcglone@hotmail.com  or by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 518-673-4434.  “We are seeking a good mix of local produce, prepared foods, baked goods and crafts” said Michele McGlone, chair of the organizing committee. All products sold at the market must be produced/raised in New York State and at least 50% of each vendor's goods must be produced/raised on property they own or rent.

 The organizers are grateful to the Arkell Museum for hosting the market. They anticipate that many of the museum’s weekend visitors and library patrons will shop at the market. To make the market even more attractive, special events are planned for each market day. “We’re hoping that the customers from the former market, which was held on Wednesdays and Fridays in past years, will make the switch to the new market location and day,” said McGlone.  “We did a consumer survey early in the year to gauge the level of interest in our endeavor and were quite encouraged by the number of people who took the time to respond and share their great ideas.” The Chamber of Commerce plans to promote the market extensively both locally and regionally.

Chamber President Dolores Jacksland had nothing but praise for the organizers. “Michele McGlone of Stone Well Farms is chairing the organizing committee of the market and has done a wonderful job. With guidance from the New York Farmers’ Market Federation and Cornell Cooperative Extension, the rules and regulations for the market were formalized. The committee has begun recruiting vendors.” Joan Crosby has been appointed the market manager, and she will be responsible for the smooth running of the market.

 “We are excited to work with the Chamber to sponsor this event,” said Eric Trahan, Executive Director of the Arkell Museum. “The Farmers’ Market will encourage visitors to come to Canajoharie and see the revitalization of our community. There will be special events at the Museum which also will draw tourists to Canajoharie and the downtown.”

 For more information on the Canajoharie Farmer’s Market, contact Michele McGlone at michelemcglone@hotmail.com or go online at www.canpalc.com; call the Chamber at 518.673.4434.

 For more information on The Arkell Museum at Canajoharie, contact the Museum at 518.673.2314 or go online at www.arkellmuseum.com

Market Mission:

• To provide opportunities for local producers to sell their agricultural products directly to consumers.
• To provide homegrown, fresh nutritious foods to the community.
• To enhance Canajoharie’s business and shopping district.
• To foster social gathering and community activity.

 A. Governing Body

1. The farmers' market is operated by the Canajoharie Palatine Chamber of Commerce.  As operator they will:

• Establish rules and regulations, adopting and amending as needed

• Establish requirements for participation in the farmers market

• Establish and collect market space rental fees

• Establish the operational schedule of the market

• Advertise and promote the market

• Maintain a general liability insurance policy for the market

• Establish a Market Advisory Committee

• Hire a Market Manager

2. The Market Manager is responsible for the orderly and efficient conduct of the market, for implementing the rules and regulations, and for resolving vendor complaints or disputes. The market manager represents the Chamber of Commerce during market days.

3. The Market Advisory Committee supports the Market Manager in upholding market policies and periodically reviews policies and recommends amendments.

 B. Seasons and Times of Operation

The Farmers’ Market will take place in the parking lot of the Arkell Museum every Saturday from 10am-2pm, starting on May 10, 2008 and continuing through November 1, 2008

C. Who may sell at the farmers' market

1. Vendors must bona-fide growers, craft persons, and/or producers of homemade products or other vendors approved by the Advisory Committee.  Vendor application must be made annually with the Advisory Board

2. All products must be grown or produced in New York State.  50% of the produce or products offered for sale must be produced by the seller on lands they own or rent.  For products not grown or produced by the seller, a sign indicating their origin must be displayed.  Produce or products purchased at wholesale market cannot be offered for sale.

3. The mission of the market is to provide opportunities for local agriculture to sell their agricultural products directly to consumers. Craft sellers will be limited to no more than 30% of the total number of vendors at the market Craft products must be approved by a jury committee appointed by the Advisory Committee.

4. Vendors must comply with all applicable USDA, state and health department regulations. Copies of permits, certificates and licenses must be provided with the vendor’s application to sell at the market

5. Vendors must carry farmers’/commercial liability and product liability insurance coverage in the amount of at least $100,000.  The coverage must apply to selling farmers’ markets and the Canajoharie Palatine Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 38 Canajoharie, NY 13317 must be named as additional insured. Proof of this coverage must be provided to the Market Manager by May 1, 2008.

6. The market manager has the right and responsibility to inspect a farm or business if there is any question on the seller’s claims of production. Inspections will be made only with the owner or his/her representative present, unless permission otherwise is given. The owner must provide any help necessary to thoroughly document products and conditions recorded at the inspection. Results of the inspection will be delivered to the seller and the governing body of the market, who will make the final determination of any violations.

 D. Guidelines for selling at the market.

1. Each seller will be responsible for all equipment and supplies for the setup of their market space.  Displays should be constructed in such a way that they do not block customer walkways nor pose any other hazard to customers. Sellers are required to keep their market space neat and clear of obstacles, litter and debris.

2. Vendors who provide samples and/or products that will result in waste material, such as cups, rinds, and corn cobs, must provide containers for waste disposal.

3. Sellers are expected to treat customers in a courteous manner and no form of discrimination is permitted at the market.

4. Sellers must have their market sites dismantled, packed up, and cleaned within one hour of the market closure.

5. No soliciting by political, religious, or other special cause groups or individuals are permitted at the market.

 E. Fees

1. The annual rental fee of $50 is due to the Chamber of Commerce by the first market day of the year.  If payment is made before April 15^th, 2008, the fee is $40.  If space is available market spaces may be rented by the day at $7.00/day.  Vendors must make day rental arrangements with the market manager no later than Wednesday of the week in which they want to sell.  All vendors, day renters and seasonal renters, must submit a complete application to the Chamber of Commerce, including all applicable certificates and documentation of permits and insurance.  Mid season applications will be processed within three weeks of receipt by the Market Advisory Committee.

2. The market space fee schedule will be determined annually by the Chamber of Commerce.  Fees collected will be used for operating expenses as well as advertising and promoting the market.

3. No subletting of a seasonal booth is permitted.

Vendor spaces will be chosen by lottery.