FARMERS MARKETS

Opening or operating a farmers’ market in Minneapolis requires an approval and licensing. There are three different types of farmers market licenses/permits depending on the type of market the applicant wants to operate.

Public Market is an open air market regulated by the city for the selling and buying of farm products and other market related products. Most farmers markets fall in this category.

Municipal Market is a city-owned and regulated market for the selling and buying of farm products and other market related products.

Local Produce Market is a small market regulated by the city for the selling and buying of fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers/growers. This type of market is small in scope and has a maximum of 5 vendors on any given day. The vendors at these markets are limited to local farmers/growers selling the farm products from their own farm or garden.

Information for New Markets

Individuals and organizations interested in starting a new farmer’s market should stop at the office of Minneapolis Development Review for information and application packets. Public and municipal markets require obtaining a license and approval from the Zoning department and the Environmental Health Program. Local produce markets require permits from approval from the Zoning department and the Environmental Health Program.

All new markets are required to complete an Environmental Health plan review. Click on links below to view guidelines for new markets and for new market plan review application.

All markets require the designation of a market manager who is responsible for the supervision, management and control of the market. The market manager must be present when the market is open to the public.

Information for market vendors

Selling food at farmers’ markets in Minneapolis requires approval and licensing or permit. Interested food vendors should take the following steps.

Market Approval - Before you apply for license or permit, contact and get permission from the manager of the market you intend to sell your products. Here are the list of licensed markets and their contacts (PDF).

Environmental Health Plan Review

All new vendors must complete an Environmental Health plan review. Contact Minneapolis Environmental Health at (612) 673-3000. An instruction guide and plan review application are located below:

Licensing

Once the plans have been approved, vendors should contact the Licensing Department at (612) 673-2080 to obtain a license. Market vendors will apply for a Food Market Manufacturer or a Food Market Distributor license.