Growing Augusta Community Markets adhere to the CDC considerations regarding the use of facemasks, social distancing and handwashing to minimize the spread of Covid 19. Please stay home if you are sick or have been exposed to someone suspected to have Covid-19.

Thanks for your support and see you soon!!

 

2023 Vendor Rules and Market Policies

LOCATION

The South Augusta Farmer Market is located at 4102/4104 Windsor Spring Road, Hephzibah GA 30815, at the corner of Tobacco Road.

THE SELLING SEASON

1st Saturdays (except July 8)

May through October

HOURS: 8:00am – 12:00pm 

FEES

Fees are levied per 10x10 space and payable by credit card, Paypal, Venmo, or Zelle.
Producers, crafters: $35   Food trucks: $50

Fees are due no later than Thursday preceding the market event. Vendors are responsible for tents, weights, tables, chairs, etc.

PRICING

Pricing of goods sold at the market is the sole responsibility of the individual vendor.  

Fraudulent, dishonest, or deceptive merchandising or collusion to set prices among vendors may be grounds for forfeiture of the right to do business at the Market.

PAYMENTS & CANCELLATIONS

Vendor Fees: All vendors are expected to pay their weekly fee before the next week’s market. It is the vendor’s responsibility to remain in good standing. Any past due payments carried into a new month are subject to late fee charges ($50) and can result in suspension of vending privileges on repeated offense.

Payment Types:

Reservation Cancellation, No-Shows & Refund Requests: Upon approval of the vendor’s 2022 market dates, the vendor accepts responsibility for each approved market date. Market dates may be amended or canceled by a written request to the Market Manager 14 days in advance. No shows will forfeit booth fees and are subject to a penalty fee ($50) for each occurrence. Repeated no show offenses will result in season termination. Please note this does not apply to illness, emergencies, etc. 

 

ALLOWED VENDORS AND PRODUCTS

Market Manager’s Discretion

Acceptance of vendors will be at the discretion of the Market Manager and Market Committee. Acceptance is based on quality of the product(s) and the relevance of the product(s) to the overall diversification and mission of the Market.

Live Animals

The sale of live animals is not allowed in the market.

Farmer Value-Added Products

Farmers may sell any farm products, including value-added products. At least one ingredient or material in any value-added goods sold in a farm vendor’s booth must have been grown on the producer’s farm. Please include these items on your application. 

Market Manager Inspections

All market vendors should prepare for a site visit by the Market Manager during the growing season. Failure to allow a site-visit once given reasonable notice may be grounds to revoke your right to vend.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS

It is the responsibility of each vendor to abide by all state and federal regulations which govern the sampling, production, labeling, or safety of the product the vendor offers for sale at the market. Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of the vendor’s booth. If you have any questions on this matter, please speak with the Market Manager, the Georgia Department of Agriculture, or the Richmond County Health Department.

All processed foods must comply with all applicable state and federal health and safety regulations. A copy of the commercial kitchen certificate or domestic kitchen certificate must be displayed in the booth at all times. Proper labeling must be used as defined by the proper authority. Documentation of certified scales must be displayed in the booth. Proper labeling pertaining to organically grown produce must be displayed.  

INSURANCE

All vendors must provide proof of general liability coverage at a minimum amount of $1,000,000.00 and name Growing Augusta, City of Augusta, Office of The Mayor as an additional insured. A current certificate must accompany each vendor application & remain on file with the market.

WEATHER

Markets will be held rain or shine.  In the event of closure due to severe weather, the market managers will contact the vendors by phone or text message.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

No smoking or vaping, alcoholic beverages, or firearms are allowed at markets. 

CHILDREN

Vendors who choose to bring children to the Market MUST ensure that the conduct of the minors is appropriate and not disruptive to customers or other vendors. Children under 12 must have adult supervision while on market grounds.

MARKET MANAGEMENT

The Market Manager’s job is to coordinate all of the weekly activities and to implement the market’s policies. The Market Manager also acts as a conduit of information between the vendors, customers and community partners. The Market Manager has complete authority to interpret and implement policies at the market site.

Vendors who repeatedly attempt to sell unfit items or produce may be asked to leave the market.

VENDOR CODE OF CONDUCT

Vendors (and their representatives) agree to:

• Demonstrate sensitivity to people of all ages, ethnicities, and diversities
• Treat customers with courtesy, respect and honesty
• Assist other vendors whenever possible
• Treat market staff, volunteers and other vendors with respect and understanding
• No use of abusive or threatening language, circulation of rumors, or file false or frivolous reports that affect the reputation, integrity, or smooth operation of the market.
• Notify market manager immediately of any unsafe conditions
• Practice safe behaviors at all times, including while driving on and off site, loading and unloading

Failure to abide by the Code of Conduct may be grounds for forfeiture of the right to do business at the Market without refunds of vendor fees.

Q: DO I HAVE TO PAY SALES TAX?

A: Yes. You are required to be compliant with sales tax collection rules as a retailer. For info here:

Questions? Contact:

Augusta Regional Office/Compliance Division

Georgia Department of Revenue

706-650-6300