Lockport Community Farmers Market Qualifications, Rules, and Regulations Governance 

Organization: The Lockport Community Farmers Market (LCFM) is a community farmers market and a program of Lockport Main Street Inc (LMS). LMS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit working to enhance the downtown district of Lockport by building a strong business community, creating pride and engagement with our residents, and overseeing major community events. Catholic Health has signed on to be the 2023-2024 title sponsor of the LCFM. The market will be advertised as “The Lockport Community Farmers Market presented by Catholic Health” on all promotions, publications, and through social media and constant contact emailing. 

The LCFM has a committee that is composed of staff, LMS Board members, and market vendors. This committee will serve as the direct governing body for the LCFM and will support the Market Manager with the ongoings of the market. 

Contact Information: 

Lockport Main Street 

160 Washburn Street, St. 1-202, Lockport, NY, 14094 

Office cell phone number: 716-434-0212 - you can call or text this number

Email: lockportmarket@gmail.com

Mission: The Lockport Community Farmers Market will provide access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and other farm products, while creating a sense of community within the City of Lockport and helping to revitalize the downtown district. 

Staff: 

Market Manager: Grace Platt

President of the LMS Board of Directors: Timothy Arlington 

LCFM Committee Member(s): Jerry and Kristi Winquist

LCFM Hours of Operation 

The LCFM is a year-round market which operates a Summer Season, a Wednesday Evening Market, and a Winter Season. 

Summer Season: May through October located outside at 69 Canal Street in Lockport from 9am and close at 2pm. Specific dates are listed on the application. 

Wednesday Evening Market: July through September located outside at 69 Canal Street, Lockport from 3pm to 7pm. Specific dates are listed on the application. 

Refunds 

Refunds are ONLY available under the conditions outlined below: 

1. Total loss of crop or product 

2. Health conditions or injuries that inhibits a vendors ability to participate

3. Death in the family or staff that prohibits a vendors ability to participate

Full or partial refunds will be dependent on the situation and will be evaluated and set forth by the Market Manager and the LCFM Committee. 

Application process 

Prospective applications will go through the following procedure to become an eligible vendor at the LCFM. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE ACCEPTED. Please read through the Qualifications and Rules and Regulations before submitting an application. 

1. Apply: You can access the LCFM’s application from the website 

(www.lockportcommunitymarket.com) or by emailing lockportmarket@gmail.com. You will receive an email with a copy of your submitted application. 

2. Application Review: The Market Manager will contact you in 10 to 15 business days with questions or comments about your application. You may be asked to send pictures of products, food labels, to schedule a production site or farm visit or a phone interview depending on your product. Please be prepared for this process to take 3 to 4 weeks to be completed. All applications are reviewed by the Market Manager and the LMS Program Manager. If needed, the application will be passed to the LMS Board of Directors for further review. 

3. Acceptance or Denial: You will receive an acceptance or denial letter via email once the above steps are complete. An acceptance letter will confirm dates and fees for the market. 

***A denial letter explains the reasons behind the denial. If you do not agree with the outcome please contact the Market Manager to set up a grievance appointment. The Market Manager, LMS Program Manager, and the President of the LMS Board of Directors will be present at this meeting. 

4. Submitting Permits: Once approved we require any permits needed depending on your business. Please read the Rules and Regulations to find the required permit(s) 

5. Orientation: Once your application has been accepted, you will receive a LCFM Vendor Handbook which contains a Vendor Agreement form. Signing the Vendor Agreement means you are agreeing to the information found in the LCFM Handbook, including the Code of Conduct. 

6. Starting at the Market!: Once you have been approved to vend at the LCFM you will receive vendor emails that contain the vendor map and other important information about each market day! 

Definitions: 

● Farm- is defined as the farmer or it’s employees who is the producer of 100% of goods being sold from land that is owned or lease, with total control of the production, harvest, marketing of the products and has a financial interest in the products 

● Food Producer- is defined as a permitted, insured producer of all the goods being offered. 

● NYS Winery/Brewery/Distillery- a winery/brewery/distillery within New York State that sells NY labeled bottles and are license through the NYS Liquor Authority 

● Crafter & Artisan- is defined as a business that produces or creates 51% or more goods being sold with locally sourced products or is locally made within Niagara, Erie, Orleans, Genesee, and Wyoming counties 

● Value-Added Product- one or more ingredients to create a product by processing, blending, packaging, or altering using other preparation methods such as jams, jellies, pickled items, dips, spreads, beeswax or lard soaps. 

● Multi-level Business- is a type of business structure in which participants earn income not only from the sales they generate but also from the sales generated by people they recruit into the business ex: Norwex or Tastefully Simple 

● Vendor- is an approved seller who has paid fees to attend and sell product at the market 

● Market Manager- point person for the market who organizes, executes, and enforces the Rules and Regulations of the market. 

● Local- means Niagara, Erie, Orleans, Genesee, and Wyoming counties 

● Locally Produced or Locally Sourced: Niagara, Erie, Orleans, Genesee, and Wyoming counties

Qualifications & Fees 

Any vendor who wishes to vend at the LCFM must meet the qualifications as defined below. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Market Manager at lockportmarket@gmail.com

Please find which category fits your product best for fees and availability below.

You can pay your fees by sending cash or a check made out to Lockport Main Street (160 Washburn Street, STE 1-202, Lockport, NY, 14094) OR we can send you an invoice to pay ONLINE. If you choose to pay online, a fee will be added to cover processing fees. Please see your acceptance letter for more detail.

FARMS: 

All fruits and vegetables sold at the market must be grown by the farmer. 

Fruits, vegetables, and value-added products sourced locally and are not being provided from another participating farm are permitted only with approval from the Market Manager. Products grown or sourced from Niagara, Erie, Orleans, Genesee, and Wyoming counties will be favored before the remaining NYS counties. 

*Value-added products such as jams, jellies, or soaps are permitted with approval from the Market Manager. 

Farm Fees: 

Single Space: 10x10ft space with 2 feet on either side- $20 daily fee OR $400 full season (2 dates free!)

Double Space: 10x20ft space with 2 feet on either side- $25 daily fee OR $500 full season (2 dates free!)

 Wednesday Full Season: $10 daily OR $100 full season (13 weeks)

FOOD PRODUCER & NYS WINERY/BREWERY/DISTILLERY: 

All food products must be produced by the vendor. 

If you are applying as a multi-food vendor, all food products must be locally made from producers within Niagara, Erie, Orleans, Genesee, and Wyoming, using locally sourced products as much as possible, and MUST be approved by the Market Manager. 

Multi-level business vendors reselling products are not permitted.

NYS Wineries, breweries, and distilleries that use NY farm products to make New York labeled beverages. 

Food Producer/ Winery/Brewery/Distillery Fees: 

Saturday: $20 daily fee OR $400 full season (2 dates free!)

Wednesday: $10 daily OR $100 full season (13 weeks)

*Fee is for a 10x10ft space with 2 feet on either side. If you need additional room, please contact the market management for information and additional fees that apply. Space is limited and requests will need approval by market management before that market day. 

CRAFTER and ARTISAN: 

CRAFTER/ARTISAN APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SIGN UP FOR A FULL SEASON. These applications will be accepted according to selected dates and availability at the LCFM.

All products must be 51% made from local products OR 51% produced locally.*** Multi-level business vendors reselling products are not permitted.***

* If a product cannot be produced locally we can appeal to the market committee with potential vendor applications stating why the product is a good fit as far as healthful products. If there are any like products being offered at the market the commercial product must be rejected in order to favor the locally produced goods. 

CRAFTER and ARTISAN Fees: 

Saturday Space:  $20 daily fee 

Wednesday: $10

*Fee is for a 10x10ft space with 2 feet on either side. If you need additional room, please contact the market management for information and additional fees that apply. Space is limited and requests will need approval by market management before that market day. 

Rules and Regulations: 

1. All vendors must have a DBA or EIN. Participation is limited to legitimate businesses as defined by New York State and Federal regulation. Merchants collecting sales tax must prominently display their NYS Certificate of Authority. This ensures the vendor is an established business and is adhering to all requirements set forth by NYS to run a small business. 

2. All Vendors are required to have liability insurance in order to participate. Certificate of Liability Insurance naming Lockport Main Street (160 Washburn St, Suite 1-202 Lockport, NY, 14094) as additional insured is required. This can be a stand-alone policy through your business or you can acquire a rider through your personal insurance. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Market Manager Grace at lockportmarket@gmail.com for support. Please see the requirements for more details: Insurance Requirements

3. All food products must come from a licensed NYS Department of Health facility. Products sold at market must be pre-packaged in the home and properly labeled. Packaging of food items at an agricultural event (craft fair, farmers' market, etc.) is not permitted. Article 20C License from NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets if producing certain items. Vendors who have a Home Processor Exemption must have products approved by the Market Manager before the application will be approved. 

4. All vendors must be able to accept every currency the LCFM offers. Refusal of currency can lead to an ejection from the market and forfeit of vendor fees. This includes:

a. Farms need to have their FMNP designation to accept FMNP Checks 

b. Farmers need to have a signed Double Up Food Bucks agreement on record with the Market Manager- LCFM will provide agreement 

c. All SNAP/EBT accepted food vendors needs to have a signed SNAP/EBT agreement on record with the Market Manager- LCFM will provide agreement. LCFM tokens all vendors can accept 

5. Vendors shall adhere to all rules and regulations within the FMNP, SNAP/EBT, DUFB and the LCFM agreements. Any vendor found in violation of these rules and regulations will be removed from the market and shall forfeit vendor fees. 

6. All applicable City, County, State, and Federal laws and regulations must be followed. The LCFM Market Manager will do its due diligence to assure that vendors comply with the Niagara Health Department, NYS Ag & Markets, and Federal food safety regulations. 

7. Vendors selling “organic” produce must be certified organic by a certifying body such as NOFA-NY or Certified Naturally Grown. Certification must be submitted after your application has been approved. Certification must be displayed at the market. 

8. Winery/Brewery/Distillery: Employees who are providing samples, tastings, or selling their products at the market will make sure they are in compliance with NYS rules and regulations and have appropriate licensing during market hours.

9. No Smoking or Vaping in the market area. 

10. No Drugs or Alcohol shall be consumed by a vendor during set up, break down, and the hours of operation of the market. 

11. Vendors must keep all handicapped entrances and exits open for customer use.

12. Vendors will comply with the Code of Conduct outlined in the LCFM Handbook.

13. Transactions between vendors and customers should only occur at the vendor's stands.

Vendor Stand Requirements: 

Vendors are allowed to begin to set up 2 hours before the market opens and should be set up until the market closes. 

1. All equipment in order to conduct business must be brought by the vendor and set up within their designated display space. No tents, tables, or chairs will be provided by the LCFM. 

2. Tents and canopies must be properly weighed down during the entity of the market’s hours of operation, including setup and breakdown. Each tent leg should have a minimum of 20 lbs weights attached. 

3. Vendors must stay within their designated vendor space. Any equipment protruding out of the vendor’s space will be asked to be removed. 

4. Vendors must have a sign clearly showing their name and address and must be displayed in a prominent place within your vendor stand. All products must be clearly labeled and priced. 

5. All vendors must display the “Currency Sign” that will be provided by the Market Manager in a prominent place so all customers can see it. 

6. Merchants who do not leave their area clean at the day’s end will forfeit the space for subsequent weeks and no refund will be given. 

7. No merchant will take down their display until 2:00 pm on Saturday and 6:00 pm on Wednesday. Your display must always be manned

Set up and Break Down 

Each week prior to the market, the Market Manager will send out an email with a vendor map. Vendors should adhere to their placement as seen on the map. If there is a change in the map, vendors will be notified via email as soon as possible. 

Staff will be on hand by 7:00 am each Saturday and 2:00 pm on each Wednesday. Vendor spaces will be indicated with little cones that are numbered. The number on the cone will correspond with the number on the vendor map. Please know your vendor number. If a vendor begins to set up in the wrong location, they will be asked to tear down their set up and relocate to the proper space. 

Every vendor must be completely set-up and ready to welcome guests by 9:00 am on Saturday and 3:00 pm on Wednesday. Late arrival and early dismissal shall only be accepted if the Market Manager is promptly notified. 

Personal food & beverages are the responsibility of the vendors. 

The market will only be closed in the event of severe or dangerous conditions. The Market Manager will call vendors if there is a need to cancel that day’s events. 

Vendors must give management at least 24 hour notice if they are unable to attend their scheduled market via email, text or call. The market management has the right to deny vendor future participation due to lack of attendance and/or lack of notice. No refunds will be given. 

Token Reimbursement Process and Procedure 

Tokens will be counted and a check will be written for the Cash/Credit tokens and SNAP tokens and distributed on a bi-weekly basis. DUFB reimbursements will take place monthly as it has been handled historically. 

Checks are valid for 180 days and checks should be deposited as soon as possible. The LCFM will ONLY reissue a check due to the following situations: 

● Check has incorrect information- vendor name, amount, ect. 

● Check was destroyed and unable to deposit 

● Check was lost and LCFM was notified with the 180 period 

All checks that require reissuing MUST be returned to the LCFM management. If the checks are lost and cannot be returned, please contact Grace for more information. All vendors will need to fill out and sign the LCFM Check Reissue Request Form in order to obtain another check.

Federal or NYS Enforced Guidelines 

We will be following all COVID guidelines and requirements made by the CDC, New York State, and the Niagara Health Department. As guidelines and requirements are issued, the market management will update vendors and customers through emails and social media. This holds true for any Federal or NYS state enforce guideline in the future. 

LCFM Marketing 

The Lockport Community Market Management will make a concerted effort to advertise the market through multiple outlets such as email, updates on websites and social media, and handouts when able. Upon request, we will provide you with electronic formats of fliers and emails which you can, in turn, distribute as you see fit. 

Requirement Checklist: 

All Applicants must provide required paperwork that applies to your business after being accepted. Use the checklist below as a reference: 

Farms: 

____ Farmers Crop Plan (if selling fruits and vegetables) 

____ Valid NYS Sales Tax Certificate 

____ USDA or NOFA-NY Organic Certification 

Food Producer: 

____ 20C Exemption from NYS Dept of Agriculture & Markets if home-baked, non-hazardous; ie. Bread (no breads containing fruits or vegetables), rolls, cookies, cakes, brownies, fudge & double crust fruit pies. (Quickbreads are considered potentially hazardous and cannot be done under 20C Exemptions.) 

____ Article 20C License from NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets on all other baked products provided (for non-hazardous foods only, including traditional fruit jams, jellies, and marmalades; candy (excluding chocolate); spices and herbs repackaging only); and snack items such as popcorn, caramel corn, and peanut brittle. Information on registering as a Home Processor in New York can be found on the website, 

http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/FS/consumer/processor.html, or by calling one of the Regional Offices.) 

____ Valid NYS Sales Tax Certificate (if applies) 

____ Niagara County Board of Health Permit if serving on-site. If you are NOT a Niagara County producer you will need to set -up an on-site inspection with the Niagara County Health Department BEFORE you can serve. Please contact Grace for more details. 

Winery/Brewery/Distillery 

____ NYS Wine License* 

___ no-fee permit from the NYS Liquor Authority (Breweries) if serving on-site

____ Valid NYS Sales Tax Certificate (if applies) 

Meat/Dairy/Fishery: 

____ Article 28D License required if warehousing for wholesale (meat) ____ NYS DEC Food Fish License to catch and sell marine fish. 

____ NYS DEC Food Fish and Crustacean Dealers & Shippers License to resell marine fish purchased from a licensed fisherman. 

____ Part II Permit, NYS Dept of Ag. & Mkts, Div. of Milk Control 

____ Valid NYS Sales Tax Certificate (if applies) 

Crafter/Artisan 

____ Valid NYS Sales Tax Certificate (if applies) 

All Vendors 

____ Completed Application 

____ Liability Insurance Certificate (naming Lockport Main Street Inc. as additional insured) 

_____ Signed copy of the LCFM Handbook Agreement