Farmers Market FAQs
Welcome! Here are answers to the most common questions about our local farmers markets. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning customer, we’ve got you covered. Any questions that aren’t answered.
đź“Ť General
A farmers market is a public market where local farmers, producers, and artisans sell directly to the community. Most local farmers markets are a hub of community activity, offering fresh food along with music, entertainment, seasonal and cultural events.
Most farmers markets in Sonoma County, CA, operate weekly. Most are seasonal, spring through early fall, but there are also many year-round markets thanks to Sonoma County’s generally mild weather. Year-round markets include:
- Petaluma East Side (Tuesdays)
- Santa Rosa Community Farmers Market (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
- Sonoma Valley (Fridays)
- Santa Rosa Original Certified (Saturdays)
- Sebastopol (Sundays)
In California, pets are not allowed at farmers markets, with the exception of service animals. Farmers markets are considered permitted food facilities under state law, and California Health and Safety Code Section 114259.5 prohibits live animals from entering food facilities. This regulation is in place to ensure food safety and hygiene.
Yes, most farmers markets have music and entertainment such as live local music, cultural performances, and kids’ events, plus seasonal features such as Easter egg hunts, summer events, Pride parades, Halloween trick-or-treats, Santa at Christmas, holiday arts and crafts fairs, and more.
Many farmers markets also offer taste tests and cooking demonstrations.
Check out each farmers market’s website and social media to find out what events are coming up. Some markets offer email newsletters you can sign up for to stay informed.
Each market has its own rules, application process, booth fee structure, and availability. Visit the market’s website to find links to vendor applications or contact info for market managers.
đź’ł Shopping & Payment
Farmers markets offer fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables straight from local farms. You can often also find locally grown/produced herbs, mushrooms, meats, seafood, eggs, dairy, honey, olive oil, flowers, and plant starts. Some markets also have vendors selling wool and yarn straight from the farm!
Most farmers markets also offer handmade arts and crafts, take-out coffee and beverages, baked goods, and freshly prepared hot foods like tacos and crepes you can eat on site or take home.
You can check out each farmers market’s website, social media, and e-newsletter for their vendor lists.
Many vendors accept credit cards, but it’s a good idea to bring some cash. Some markets offer a service where they’ll run your credit card and issue you tokens or paper scrip you can use at the market to make purchases.
Here are the payment methods commonly accepted at the farmers markets:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Many vendors accept credit and debit card payments. Some farmers markets offer a service where you can use cards to receive tokens or paper scrip. Some markets charge a small fee for card transactions. Inquire at the market manager’s booth.
- CalFresh/EBT: Most (but not all) farmers markets accept CalFresh/EBT cards. Many offer programs like Market Match to help CalFresh shoppers stretch those benefits further. Inquire at the market manager’s booth.
- WIC/Farmers Market Nutrition Program cards: Some vendors accept WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) payments. Inquire with the vendor directly, or ask the farmers market manager.
- SFMNP/Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program cards: Some vendors accept SFMNP payments. Inquire with the vendor directly, or ask the farmers market manager.
Many farmers markets accept CalFresh/EBT. Visit the market manager’s booth with your EBT card. Market staff will run your EBT card for the amount you want to spend, and issue you tokens or paper vouchers for the amount. Then, use the tokens or vouchers at the vendor’s booth. The scrip/tokens generally do not expire and you can use them another week if you don’t use them all up. You can also request a refund.
WIC is accepted by participating vendors at approved farmers markets. Participating vendors can process your payment directly at their vendor booth. Inquire with the vendor, or ask the market manager which vendors can accept WIC cards.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is accepted by participating vendors at approved farmers markets. Make payments directly at the vendor’s booth. Inquire with the vendor, or ask the market manager which vendors can accept SFMNP cards.
You can use Sun Bucks (also called Summer EBT) at any farmers market that accepts CalFresh/EBT. Bring your Sun Bucks cards to the market manager’s booth.
Market Match benefits apply to Sun Bucks as well, meaning, Sun Bucks customers get a dollar-for-dollar match, up to a daily maximum, to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets. Inquire at the market manager’s booth.
Check out our list of farmers markets in Sonoma County, CA to find local farmers markets that accept CalFresh and Sun Bucks.
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants which produce food
CalFresh/EBT cannot be used to purchase hot foods. Refer to USDA’s website for more information.
Depending on the item, prices can be lower, comparable, or higher. Tips to shop on a budget at the farmers market include buying at peak season and buying in bulk when it makes sense. For CalFresh customers, matching programs like Market Match makes fresh produce more affordable. Remember, you’re getting local, fresh, high-quality goods, often harvested that morning!
🥬 Products & Vendors
Not all vendors are USDA certified organic, but most use sustainable and chemical-free farming practices. Feel free to ask them directly about their growing methods.
Yes, all vendors grow or produce their goods locally in Sonoma County or in nearby counties.
Absolutely! Farmers and makers are happy to answer questions about how their food is grown, raised, or made.
🧺 Visiting the Market
Yes, please! Reusable shopping bags, totes, or baskets help us reduce waste. Some vendors offer bags, but we encourage bringing your own.
You can’t bring your dog into the farmers market, whether they are on a leash or in a carrier, due to health department regulations.
Early birds get the best selection—come at opening for popular items. Arriving later? You might find end-of-day deals and a more relaxed pace.
Sampling is welcome at many booths. At various vendor booths, you’ll see samples like peach slices, cheese cubes, and more. If you don’t see any, just ask the vendor!
🛍️ Become a Vendor
Each market has its own vendor application process. Visit the market’s website or contact the market manager for details.
If you are selling fresh fruits, nuts, vegetables, shell eggs, honey, flowers, and nursery stock you will need a Certified Producer Certificate from the Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures. Most vendors need a business license, and food sellers may require health permits and a Mobile Food Facility Permit. Please contact the market manager and County of Sonoma for full details.
Fees vary by season and space size. Contact each market for a current rate sheet.