Alabama Administrative Code
Title 80 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRIES
COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE
Chapter 80-7-1 - RULES FOR CERTIFICATION OF STATE FARMERS MARKETS
Section 80-7-1-.01 - Purpose

(1) The Alabama Farmers Market Authority serves to promote the sale of Alabama-grown farm products by giving local farmers the chance to sell food they raise directly to consumers and allowing consumers to buy fresh food from the farmers who raise it. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries', Farmers Market Authority accomplishes this purpose by providing local farmers markets the opportunity to become Certified State Farmers Markets, thus giving consumers confidence that they are buying only fresh, locally raised produce.

(2) The "Alabama Certified Farmers Market Program" is created to promote and identify a market place for Alabama grown fruits, vegetables, plants, and other products made and/or processed in Alabama.

(3) The primary objectives of an "Alabama Certified Farmers Market" is to offer a diverse product selection, attract a large and repeating customer base, and afford farmers a profitable location to sell produce and other goods.

(4) Factors that define the term "Farmers Market" and distinguish farmers markets from road-side stands, grocery stores and from other types of food marketing outlets, include: farmers selling produce and food items they grow and produce to individual customers at a temporary or permanent location, often located on public property, such as a common public area or parking lot on a periodic basis, typically once or twice a week for a set period of time, usually 3 or 4 hours. This happens during the local growing season, usually 5 or 6 months.

(5) Depending on the farmers markets, a wide variety of products are available. Poultry, pork, fish, shellfish, lamb, beef, eggs, milk, cream, butter, cheese, honey, syrup, jams, jellies, sauces, mushrooms, flowers, breads, and pastries are some examples of vendor produced products sold at farmers markets in addition to fruits and vegetables.