Open a Certified Farmers' Market

What is a CFM?

A Certified Farmers' Market (CFM) is a location approved by the County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (AWM) and other local agencies where certified producers sell directly to the public. CFMs support local agriculture and farmers by providing them a direct, low-cost way to connect and sell their agricultural products face-to-face with their customers. CFMs enrich the communities in which they operate by increasing residents’ access to quality fresh produce and creating an enjoyable community gathering place.

*Only California agricultural products grown by Certified Producers may be sold in CFMs. CFM operators and Certified Producers must comply with Direct Marketing laws and regulations. 

The process for opening a CFM is different in an incorporated city than in an unincorporated area of the County.  Not sure if your market will be in a city or an unincorporated area? Look it up

Accept EBT/SNAP at Your Farmers' Market

Access to healthy food continues to be a struggle for many individuals in San Diego County. Farmers' markets can help increase access and promote public health. The more farmers' markets that accept EBT, the greater this impact becomes. If you're interested in accepting EBT/SNAP, please email AWM at agstandards.awm@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Terms to Know

  • EBT: Electronic Benefit Transfer, an electronic system through which benefits are distributed nationally a.k.a. the card used to purchase food.
  • SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the name for the national Food Stamp Program.
  • CalFresh: How SNAP is referred to in California.

Health Equity

Access to healthy food continues to be a struggle for many individuals in San Diego County. Farmers' markets have the opportunity to overcome barriers to access and promote public health. The more farmers' markets that accept EBT, the greater this impact becomes.

Economic Benefits

In 2015 alone, $19.4 million in SNAP benefits were redeemed at farmers' markets across the nation. Additionally, in California, every $5 in CalFresh benefits generates $9 in local economic activity.

Increased Customer Base

Increased access to farmers' markets through EBT increases the population of eligible shoppers. Combined with incentive programs like Market Match, participants in San Diego County have reported increased purchases of fruits and vegetables from farmers' markets.

USDA Priority

USDA has identified farmers' markets as a top priority and committed at least $13.3 million to support projects for direct farmer-to-consumer marketing projects such as farmers' markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • How does EBT at a farmers' market work?

    EBT users can swipe their card at a Point of Sale (POS) terminal at a market. Recipients can then purchase eligible food products from market farmers and vendors. Eligible food products include: fruits and vegetables, breads, cereals, meats, fish, poultry, and dairy products.  

  • Does each farmers' market vendor have a point-of-sale (POS) system?

    No, there is just one POS terminal at a farmers market. It is operated by the farmers' market manager or appropriate staff. Market signage “We Accept EBT” directs EBT cardholders to the location of the POS device.  

  • How does a customer buy produce from a specific vendor?

    When at the EBT POS, the market manager/staff person asks the recipient how much of his/her food or cash benefits they would like to use. Then the EBT card is swiped, and the amount is debited from the balance stored on the card. (This amount is transferred from the recipient's account to the market or association bank account.) The staff person then issues “scrip” in the amount requested by the customer. Scrip can be either tokens or paper. This is a representation of the EBT money debited, one for one. The recipient can use the scrip with vendors selling eligible food. At the end of the market day, the vendors trade the scrip for cash, checks, or receipts for future payment from the market operator.  

  • What is the cost of a POS device?

    FREE to FNS-authorized farmers' markets. For technical assistance and to obtain a free POS device, contact the CA Department of Social Services: Dianne.Padilla-Bates@dss.ca.gov or call 916-654-1396.

  • How can a farmers' market apply to accept EBT?

    USDA FNS authorization is easy. Markets can fill out an online application.

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