Circle Square Commons Farmer's Market in Ocala, Florida.
 
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The mission of the Circle Square Commons Farmer's Market is to provide healthy, fresh, seasonal local produce and other assorted local value-added food & non-food products to the residents of and vistiors to the community. By doing this, we are helping to bridge the gap between the consumer and the farmer.

This market seeks to educate consumers on the social, economical and environmental benefits of buying quality locally grown food while also contributing to the health of our residents. Agriculture producers will find a supportive direct-marketing outlet for the sale of their goods with hopes to create and/or enhance the economic strength of farmers. Furthermore, this market enhances the quality of life in the Ocala area by providing a community activity, which generates local pride and opportunity for social gathering.

1. Market location: The Town Square at Circle Square Commons, 8405 SW 80th. Street, Ocala, FL

2. Hours of Operation: The market shall open every Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon year ‘round. Set-up starts 1 hour before opening time, and vacated within I hour after closing. All vendors must remain set up until 12:00 noon, even if they have sold out products.

3. Grower Eligibility: In order to sell at the Circle Square Commons Farmers Market, a producer must be:

 Wide selection of fresh fruits, seasonal vegetables, baked goods and more at the Farmer's Market in Ocala, Florida.
  • The actual grower and owner of the crop. The agriculture product has been raised or prepared by the grower/producer, members of the family or employees. The producer must be the person responsible for all operations relating to production of that product including: furnishing the land (outright ownership or lease or rental agreement), financing, furnishing the equipment (owned, leased or custom harvested), seed bed preparation, fertilization, planting, cultivation, irrigation, pest control, harvest, etc. Growing crops for someone else is not considered a farming operation for purposes of this market.

    1. Produce Farmer - One who produces fresh fruits, nuts, honey, berries, herbs, plants, cut flowers, mushrooms and vegetables from seeds, transplants or cuttings.
    2. Nurseryman or Plant Producer - One who produces plants from seeds, transplants, bare roots or cuttings or other plant material.
    3. Value-Added Products – One who produces, but not limited to, jams/jellies, baked items, molasses, gourds, boiled peanuts, dried herbs, dried flowers, wreaths, and/or any processed food item (cut collards, shelled peas).

  • Other items may be allowed for sale only with authorization of the Market Manager.
  • Obtain membership with the Circle Square Commons Farmers Market by adhering to all rules set forth within this document
  • Must be a Florida resident with a valid grower’s permit issued by the County Extension Office where they farm. .
  • Be in compliance with outside requirements for the appropriate crop - i.e. DPI Inspection Certificate, Organic Certificate, Florida Bee Inspection Certificate, etc.

Customers purchasing fresh goods at the Farmer's Market at Circle Square Commons.

4. Product Eligibility:

It is the intent of the Market Manager that the Circle Square Commons Farmers Market be a market for sale of items produced by the seller, in raw or processed form. The Market Manager will make every effort to ensure that the market retain the image of a produce market, emphasizing the sale of food and fiber items, and that it not take on the air of a flea market, offering items that are not related to production agriculture or some facet thereof.

  1. Items to be sold are those crops grown by the seller as described previously, to include items of a value-added nature. No reselling of purchased items (see 11).
  2. No manufactured, used or imported goods may be sold to customers or growers.
  3. All plants for sale that fall under the categories listed in Florida Statutes, Chapter 581 are required to be registered annually with and inspected by the Florida Division of Plant Industry.
  4. All honey for sale must come from bees that are registered with and inspected by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as required by Florida Statute, Chapter 586.
  5. Craft-like by-products or crafts may be sold on a case-by-case basis. These products will be farm-oriented products only. No flea market type items may be sold.
  6. Scales used to weigh produce must meet the standards of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Only Class 3 scales may be used. No scale labeled "Not for Use in Trade" will be permitted.
  7. No backyard eggs permitted unless the eggs come from a licensed packer.
  8. All processed foods must be processed in a certified kitchen or by a certified licensee.
  9. Any value-added product must be labeled according to Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services Regulations.
    This is a farmer to consumer local market, not for wholesale sales. Based on special events and seasonal items, certain products will be approved for sale on a case by case basis.
  10. Vendors must grow 100% of the product they sell at market with exception if vendor is not able to meet market demand, the Market Manager may change this percentage to meet the demands of the market in a given year.
  11. Any products not produced by a grower to meet market demand must be grown in Florida or Georgia with proof of purchase.
  12. Any product not raised or produced by the vendor must be labeled and displayed accordingly.
  13. Eligibility to sell for WIC and/or Senior Nutrition Programs will be determined by the Florida Department of Agriculture (depending on future available funding of the program).
 
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