A farmer's market promotes regional agriculture and ensures a continuing supply of fresh, local produce for state residents. Such markets supports farmers and preserves farmland for the future by providing regional small family farmers with alternative opportunities to sell their fruits, vegetables and other farm products. Usually only regional farmers and vendors may sell their products at the farmer's market and middlemen or brokers are not allowed. Regulations govern what may be sold at the farmer's market. Generally, all items must be grown, raised, foraged, caught, or otherwise produced by the seller.
Agents may visit growers to make sure that what they sell at market is grown in their fields and ensure product integrity. A farmer's market committee composed of market growers and consumers may exist to assist in rule enforcement and policy formulation. Markets are held in parks, playgrounds, parking lots, sidewalks, closed streets and other available open spaces. Farmers may pay a fee to sell at the market.
