Opening a Certified Farmers' Market in an Incorporated City

Customers visiting downtown farmers market booths

Step 1 – Agriculture, Weights & Measures (AWM)

To open a Certified Farmers’ Market (CFM), the applicant must obtain a CFM certificate from the County Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures (AWM).  Qualified applicants must be a certified producer, a nonprofit organization, or a local government agency.  AWM will verify that the applicant has met the requirements of Steps 2-3 before issuing the CFM certificate. *Fee Required*

For questions, call (858) 614-7786, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Step 2 – Local Planning, Fire, Police, and Public Works Departments

CFMs in incorporated cities may require approval from the city’s planning, fire, police, and public works departments. Please contact the city in which the CFM is located to obtain approval. *Fee May Be Required*

City Contact Information - Coming Soon

Step 3 – Department of Environmental Health (DEH)

CFMs must obtain an organizer permit from the County Department of Environmental Health, Food and Housing Division.  All food vendors participating in the market must have a temporary food facility permit.*Fee Required*

For questions, call (858) 505-6900, 8 a.m. to 4:30 pm, M-F

Temporary Events website
Organizer – download application
Vendor – download application

Step 4 – Agriculture, Weights & Measures (AWM)

Once the applicant has met the requirements of Steps 1-3, AWM will issue the CFM certificate.  The applicant may make an appointment to pick up the completed certificate at AWM's office:

AWM - Attn: Ag Standards

9325 Hazard Way, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92123

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F
Phone: (858) 614-7786

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