Farmers' Market FAQ

How do I become an SFC Farmers' Market Vendor?

Esperanza Farms Vendor

Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor at our SFC Farmers' Markets. Please visit our Become a Vendor page to learn more and apply!

What's in season?

Texas Food Ranch Peppers

Here's what you can expect to find at the SFC Farmers' Markets throughout the year:

SPRING (MARCH - MAY)

Look for the pop up of fragrant flowers as well as:

Veggies: Arugula / Asparagus / Beets / Broccoli / Brussels Sprouts / Cabbage / Carrots / Cauliflower / Chard / Collard Greens / Garlic / Kale / Leeks / Lettuce / Mustard Greens / Onions / Potatoes / Radishes / Spinach / Squash / Turnips / Tomatoes.

Herbs: Cilantro / Dill / Mint / Parsley

Fruit: Peaches / Plums / Strawberries

SUMMER (JUNE - AUGUST)

Summer, our favorite time of the year! There are abundant quantities of:

Veggies: Arugula / Chard / Cucumbers / Eggplant / Garlic / Green Beans / Lettuce / Mustard Greens / Okra / Onions / Peppers / Potatoes / Pumpkin / Radishes / Squash / Sweet Potatoes / Tomatoes / Turnips

Herbs: Basil and Mint

Fruit: Blackberries / Figs / Melons / Peaches / Pears / Watermelon

FALL (SEPTEMBER  – NOVEMBER):

Fall is like the second summer season (albeit, it is a slower, less productive season), with featuring pecans and a showing of:

Veggies: Arugula / Beets / Broccoli / Cabbage / Cauliflower / Chard / Collard Greens / Cucumbers / Eggplant / Garlic / Green beans / Kale / Mustard Greens / Lettuce / Okra / Onions / Peppers / Potatoes / Pumpkins / Radishes / Spinach / Squash / Sweet Potatoes / Tomatoes / Turnips

Herbs: Basil / Cilantro / Dill / Mint / Parsley

Fruit: Melons

WINTER (DECEMBER - FEBRUARY):

This is the time for cleansing produce like:

Veggies: Arugula / Beets / Broccoli / Brussels Sprouts / Cabbage / Carrots / Cauliflower / Chard / Collard Greens / Garlic / Kale / Leeks / Mustard Greens / Radishes / Spinach / Swiss Chard / Tomatoes / Turnips

Herbs: Cilantro / Dill / Parsley

Fruit: Grapefruit / Oranges / Strawberries

Is parking free at your markets?

Yes, parking is free at both SFC Farmers' Markets.

At Sunset Valley, enjoy over 20 acres of free parking in the lot directly adjacent to the market. You can enter the market from the 290/71E service road, or from Jones Rd to the south.

At Downtown, park hassle-free in State of Texas Garage N (300 San Antonio St.):

  1. Scan QR code located inside the garage
  2. Enter vehicle's license plate number
  3. Visit yellow SFC Info Booth for free parking code
  4. Shop the farmers’ market!

No payment information required.

Parking is complimentary from 9 AM – 1 PM.

Is there an ATM at the markets?

There are no ATMs at the markets.

All markets accept Cash, Debit/Credit (though each varies by vendor) SNAP Lone Star Card, WIC – EBT cards for fruits and vegetables, and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons. Learn more here.

What are the Rules and Regulations of the Market?

In an effort to highlight the benefits of SFC Farmers’ Markets and to be supportive of our vendors we have created a SFC Farmers' Markets Policy Manual. This document includes the rules governing SFC Farmers’ Markets, but also explains how we work together with our vendors to make some of the best markets in Austin.

Permits Needed to Sell at Farmers Markets

Selling at our SFC Farmers’ Markets requires permits issued by local public health authorities. We have done our best to compile information to help you navigate through the permitting process. Find your product in the lines below to learn more about the permits that apply to you.

Please keep in mind that permits are issued per Jurisdiction and are not transferable. You will only need one permit to operate within that jurisdiction.

For the official rulings regarding permits, visit the City of Austin's Farmers Market Website>>>

Fruits, Vegetables, and other Raw Agricultural Products

Whole, uncut, raw agricultural products do not need a farmers’ market permit. Click here to learn more about Austin Public Health’s permit exemptions.

Meat

Selling frozen meat at the markets requires a Class A permit issued by Austin Public Health. Be sure to list the Central Preparation Facility used as the place where you store your product in between markets. Click here to learn more about and apply for a Class A permit.

Eggs

A Class A permit is necessary to sell eggs at both of our markets. Vendors at the SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown are exempt from paying an application fee, as the City waives fees for farmers selling eggs within the City of Austin. Vendors at the SFC Farmers’ Market at Sunset Valley are not exempt from paying Class A permit fees. Click here to learn more about and apply for a Class A permit.

Non-Edible Plants

Selling non-edible plants at Farmers' Markets requires a Class M Nursery Floral License issued by the Texas Department of Agriculture. You can apply online at the TDA Website.

Ready to Eat Foods and Drinks.

If you are selling consumable ready to eat products to the public, you are required to have a Class A or B farmers’ market permit. Please be sure to check out the Austin Public Health website to learn more about the requirements for the type of permit that you need.

The Texas Cottage Food Law

Texas’ cottage food law allows people to sell shelf stable food products made in their kitchens directly to the public without having to get a food manufacturers’ license, use a commercial kitchen, or be subject to inspections by the state or local health departments.

The list of items that fall under the cottage law and its regulations can be found at the Austin Public Health site.

If you have questions regarding the Texas Cottage Law and its most recent changes, the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance website has further details and additional resources.

Sampling at the Farmers Market

Vendors can prepare and provide samples on-site so long as they meet some basic sanitation requirements:

  • Samples must be distributed in a sanitary manner.
  • A person preparing produce samples on-site must either wear clean, disposable plastic gloves while, or wash their hands in soap and water prior to, preparing the samples.
  • Potable water must be available for washing.

Utensils and cutting surfaces used for cutting samples must be smooth, nonabsorbent, and easily cleaned or disposed of.

How do I bring an event or activity to the farmers’ market?

Contact Ariana DeLaurentis, Farmers' Market Programming Manager at adelaurentis@sustainablefoodcenter.org

I'm a musician. How do I play at a market?

Contact Ariana DeLaurentis, Farmers' Market Programming Manager at musicbooking@sustainablefoodcenter.org