Become a Mass Farmers Markets Vendor

Thank you for your interest in vending at Mass Farmers Markets’ three managed markets: Central Sq in Cambridge, Copley Sq in Boston, and Davis Sq in Somerville. We are always looking for new products to complement our current offerings, while bringing fresh energy and perspectives to our markets. For specific questions about our markets and the application process, please email markets@massfarmersmarkets.org 

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Applications are open for the 2024 Spring / Summer Season at Central Sq, Copley Sq, and Davis Sq Farmers Markets.

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Please carefully read the information below to apply for the correct vending opportunity at one of our three markets.

Use the 2024 [FARMER] Vendor Application if you are an individual or a group that operates a farm and assumes financial risk for the production of crops, livestock, agriculture and aquaculture products.

Farmers include, but are not limited to: produce farmers, livestock farmers, dairy farmers/ cheese producers, fish farmers, beekeepers, flower and plant producers, and composters.

Farm products can also include niche food items such as maple and honey products and value-added foods that are made with ingredients grown and produced on that farm.

Use the 2024 [SUPPLY FARMER} Application if you are an individual or a group supplying one of our farm vendors at the Central Sq and/or Copley Sq Farmers Market with your product(s). Please fill out this form to the best of your ability, including all products you intend to supply. Any product that appears at the market without prior approval through this form is subject to penalty.

As part of the application, you will need to provide Mass Farmers Markets with:

• Field maps that show where these products are planted on your farm;

• A certificate of insurance for your operation;

• And a non-refundable $75 application fee.

Use the 2023 [SUPPLEMENTAL] Vendor Application if you are a non-farmer selling packaged or prepared food or food-related items. This may include baked good, bath & body products, niche food products or crafts that are made locally and with locally sourced agricultural ingredients or food related components.

Niche food and specialty products include, but are not limited to: candy, fermented foods, maple products, preserves, coffee, flavored syrups, nuts, sauces, cookbooks, fudge, oils, tea, dried fruit, granola, popcorn etc.

APPLICATION FEE: $75

The application fee is nonrefundable. Online payment will be required before application can be submitted.

What kind of vendors do you accept at your markets?

Mass Farmers Markets produces the Central Sq, Copley Sq and Davis Sq markets. Part of our mission is to enhance local farm viability through farmers markets. At the core of what we do is supporting the sustainability of local farmers and growers as well as the local food supply network as a whole. Therefore, in selecting vendors for our markets, we look for product offerings that are either directly grown or raised by local farmers on their own land, or products made from locally grown ingredients.

Do you accept vendors who sell products other than food?  
As stated above, in selecting vendors for our markets, we look for product offerings that are either directly grown or raised by local farmers on their own land, or products made from locally grown ingredients.  Non-food vendors that we may accept generally fall into one of following categories, but are not limited to:

• Local, non-food agricultural products, such as locally-grown flowers or plants

• Locally made, non-food products made from local agricultural products, such as lambs wool blankets, goat's milk soap or beeswax candles (made with locally sourced, grown, or raised ingredients)

• Locally made, non-food products made from other locally sourced natural resources, such as wooden cutting boards, granite serving platters, etc.

• Food-adjacent products & services, such as vendors who sell cutting board, serving utensils, or bowls; or an onsite knife-sharpening service

If you feel that your business & products support our mission and will be a good complement to our markets, we would love to hear from you! 

What if I don’t fall under your vendor categories?

If you have any other types of business, operate a nonprofit organization, or are part of a community or government entity that wishes to be at our markets, please tell us more about you via the 2024 Vendor Application Waitlist form.

We welcome for-profit businesses with involvement in local food and food access to become sponsors of our markets. If you are interested in sponsoring a particular market, please fill out the 2024 Vendor Application Waitlist form. Together we can make a greater impact! Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.

Consider volunteering at one of the markets to put your business and organization brand in front of thousands of market shoppers! Learn more about volunteering opportunities here.

What if I missed the application deadlines?

Don’t fret - we would still love to hear from you! Tell us about you and your business on the 2024 Vendor Application Waitlist form. We will reach out if and when a market spot becomes available.

Consider applying to another farmers market! You can find a list of Massachusetts farmers markets here.

When do applications typically open?

Applications typically open in January and are typically due in February.

What if I am only interested in pop-up (occasional) opportunities?

If you cannot commit to a full season and are interested in occasional vending opportunities throughout the season, we would still love to hear from you! Add your business to the 2024 Vendor Application Waitlist form. We will reach out if and when a market spot becomes available.

Do you accept vendors once markets are open for the season?
We do occasionally have openings and pop-up opportunities that arise after the season is already under way. You can sign up to be added to the waitlist for the current season via the 2024 Vendor Application Waitlist.

How much does it cost to rent a booth at your market?
An individual booth space is 10 feet x 10 feet at all of our managed markets. Depending on the frequency and length of your vendor agreement, along with seasonality changes, the booth rates can vary. Please check the applicable vendor applications on the top of the page for this year’s current booth rates for each market.

Business structure:

I have been planning to operate my business as a sole proprietorship; however, it seems that being an LLC registered with the state is necessary to become a vendor at your farmers markets. Is this accurate?

We allow vendors that operate as sole proprietorships at our markets. However, unless your business name is just your personal name (Betsy Smith, for example), you will need to obtain a business certificate in the city or town in which you plan to base your business*. This is also often referred to as a DBA (doing-business-as). In the event that you have a DBA, enter your name as the Business Name as Registered with the Secretary of State and enter your DBA in the next field for Business Name Used with the Public.

*In many towns and some cities, this is done through the City/Town Clerk's office.

Residential and commercial kitchen permits:

I am in the process of acquiring a residential kitchen permit for my business. OR

I am in the process of finding / signing a lease with a commercial kitchen.

I'm not sure that process will be completed before the application deadline. Can I still apply?

We can accept your application without your residential kitchen permit. However, keep in mind that if accepted, you will need to submit your residential kitchen or commercial kitchen permit along with your signed commitment letter and deposit in order to secure your place in our market(s).

Still have a question?

Send us a note below! Or reach out via markets@massfarmersmarkets.org or 781-893-8222 x 1005.