Vendor Policies
Application and Selection of Vendors
Please assure these Vendor Policies align with the mission and vision of your farm/business.
Submit a Vendor Application. The Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc. Board of Directors will review applications according to the criteria described below. All applicants will be notified within a month of applying if they are selected as new vendors. New vendors may be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year as needed.
Approved new vendors must provide the following additional documents:
Completed Vendor License
Current copies of all relevant permits, licenses, and certifications
A certificate of insurance
Direct deposit paperwork
Farm Vendors will also:
Review the Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc. Bylaws and complete the Cooperative Member Agreement
Pay annual member equity dues
Please contact vendors@bloomingtonfarmstop.coop with any questions about these guidelines or the application process.
Who Can Sell?
Farm Vendors
Any individual or business that engages in the production of agricultural products including: horticultural, viticultural, forestry, dairy, livestock, poultry, bee, and any other farm product may apply to become a vendor. The Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc. is an agricultural cooperative, owned by its member farmers, therefore Farm Vendors are required to become members of the Cooperative. Farm Vendors may only sell products they themselves have grown, raised, processed or foraged.
Food Artisans
We recognize the important role that non-farm food businesses play in the local food system. As such, any individual or business that engages in the production of food products using ingredients they did not grow or raise themselves is welcome to apply to become a vendor. A sampling of products may be requested as part of the application process. Using locally produced ingredients is highly encouraged.
Craft Artisans
Given the wide range of artisan made goods in the area, the store will also offer a selection of non-food products to diversify the offerings in the store and widen our vendor community. Crafted Artisan goods must be locally produced, high quality, originally designed, and hand crafted by the artisan selling them.
What Can Be Sold?
Farm Vendor Products Permitted for Sale
Unprocessed farm products are farm products that are not processed beyond harvesting, cleaning, drying and packaging.
These products include: whole, uncut fruits and vegetables, herbs, microgreens and shoots, nuts, cut flowers, seeds, whole grains, cultured and wild mushrooms.
Eggs
Meat and Poultry products
Dairy products
Honey, maple syrup, and sorghum
Plants
Annual Plants and Herb Plants
Must be grown by the vendor from seeds, cuttings, plugs or other divisions to a plantable size.
Any plant propagation material purchased by vendors to be grown out for sale, other than seeds, must be grown on the vendor’s premises for at least six weeks before they can be offered for sale at the store.
Nursery Stock
Includes house plants and woody and herbaceous perennials
Must be grown by the vendor from seeds, cuttings, plugs or other divisions to a plantable size.
Any plant propagation material purchased by vendors to be grown out for sale, other than seeds, must be grown on the vendor’s premises for at least eight weeks before they can be offered for sale at the store.
Value-added foods are raw farm products that have been processed into another form. Some examples include but are not limited to, jams and jellies, cider, wine, frozen or dried fruits and vegetables, salsas, relishes, ground grains, spices, and fermented foods. Value-added foods must contain a majority of vendor grown, raised, or foraged ingredients. Farm Vendors must submit information about each value-added product they intend to sell, showing which ingredients are from their farm or other farms.
Crafted farm products are non-food, handcrafted products made with a majority of vendor grown, raised, or gathered materials. Only nonessential portions of the craft may be derived from purchased materials-- things like binding, shellac, and minimal wreath frames. All crafted farm products must be of original design and handcrafted by the vendor. Crafts must be safe, have a reasonable life expectancy and exhibit quality craftsmanship. Crafts may not be made from commercial kits or contain a commercially made piece central to the design. Acceptable examples include:
Beeswax candles, balms, and salves made from beeswax produced by the vendor.
Fleece, roving, and yarn made solely from fiber from vendor-raised livestock.
Wreaths and similar products.
Worm casting “tea” made from castings from worms and other farm products raised by the vendor.
Potting soil and soil amendments containing not less than 70% vendor-produced compost and which have ingredients listed by volume on the packaging.
Health and Body products, including soaps, salves, lotions and tinctures are also considered crafted farm products. When assessing the percentage grown by the vendor exclude the weight of water, alcohol and non-farm-grown oils used for extraction or essential to the consistency of the product.
Pet foods must be made by the vendor and with a majority of locally grown or raised ingredients.
Food Artisan Products Permitted For Sale
Food artisan products are edible goods made by the vendor from scratch. Priority will be given to producers who are using locally grown/raised or fairly traded ingredients, and fill a priority and need of the store. Additionally, all artisan foods must meet local and state Health Department rules. The home-based vendor rule does not apply at Farm Stop. Note that value-added farm products will be given priority over food artisan products that fall into the same type of product.
Craft Artisan Products Permitted For Sale
Crafted artisan products are non-food, handcrafted products made by local makers. All crafted artisan products must be unique and handmade by the vendor. Crafts must be safe, have a reasonable life expectancy and exhibit quality craftsmanship. Crafts may not be made from commercial kits or contain a commercially made piece central to the design. Examples of this kind of product could be but are not limited to body and beauty products, home and kitchen supplies, woodworks, artful cards and stationary, jewelry, pottery, handmade clothing and other home/kitchen goods. Note that crafted farm products (e.g., beeswax goods, handmade soap, dried flowers) will be given priority over similar crafted artisan products.
Vendor and Product Prioritization
The amount of retail space given to a vendor will be at the sole discretion of the Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc. management based on their determination of need and priority. The Cooperative will focus on curating a desirable mix of products for customers and give preference to vendors that meet the following priorities, listed in no particular order:
Geographic locality & proximity
Our goal is to sell products that originate as close to the store as possible
Ecological production practices
For example: land regeneration and biodiversity conservation practices, certified organic, naturally grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides, IPM practices, non-gmo, pasture based, humane treatment of animals, etc.
Vendors who are part of underserved or underrepresented communities, such as but not limited to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), LGTBQ+, and Women
Historically underserved farmers and ranchers as defined by the USDA
Limited-resource farm households are those having low farm sales and low household income for 2 years in a row. In fiscal year 2020, low farm sales meant direct or indirect gross farm sales not more than $180,300. Low household income means that current-year income falls below the national poverty level for a family of four with two children, or is less than half of the county median household income (which in Monroe county 2015-2019 was $49,839).
Beginning farmers are those who have materially and substantially participated in the operation of any farm or ranch for 10 years or less.
Socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers are those belonging to groups that have been subject to racial or ethnic prejudice, including farmers who are Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or who identify as women.
Veteran farmers are those who have served in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, including the reserve component thereof; was released from service under conditions other than dishonorable; who first obtained status as a veteran during the most recent 10-year period and has operated a farm or ranch for not more than 10 years.
Social sustainability
For example: living wages for employees, community involvement, fair trade practices, food justice certification, etc.
Product quality, variety, and consistency
Nondiscrimination
In following the priorities outlined above, the Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc. seeks to foster a more diverse and inclusive local food system. Except in cases meant to provide market access opportunities for historically underserved farmers, the Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc. Board shall not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender identity, race, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected status in vendor selection or treatment. The exception being that Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc. will not knowingly accept any vendor that shares ideologies with a hate group as defined by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Wholesale Products
To provide a comprehensive shopping experience and fill gaps in product availability, the Cooperative reserves the right to wholesale purchase and resell items from non-vendors as needed. Priority will always be given to existing vendors.
What does it cost to be a vendor?
Farm Vendors
All Farm Vendors are required to pay annual co-op equity dues which are determined by the Board on an annual basis, currently $300.
Additionally, the Cooperative will charge a 30% consignment fee for all products sold, to cover the cost of rent, utilities, maintenance, staff time, marketing, equipment, renovations, and other member benefits.
Farm Vendors will be paid for items purchased on a bi-weekly basis, minus the 30% consignment fee. Each bi-weekly sales period will run from Sunday-Saturday. Please note that payments are made four weeks after the close of a pay period.
Direct deposit enrollment is strongly encouraged.
Sponsorship & Work Trade Opportunities
There are sponsorship and work trade opportunities available to Farm Vendors who identify as historically underserved according to the USDA definitions. Sponsorship applies to the co-op equity payment, not the consignment fee. Directions to apply for sponsorships are provided to all accepted Farm Vendors.
Food and Craft Artisan Vendors
The Cooperative will charge a 35% consignment fee for all products sold, to cover the cost of rent, utilities, maintenance, staff time, marketing, equipment, renovations, and other store needs.
Non-Farm Vendors will be paid for items purchased on a bi-weekly basis, minus the 35% consignment fee. Each weekly sales period will run from Sunday-Saturday. Please note that payments are made four weeks after the close of a pay period.
Direct deposit enrollment is strongly encouraged.
Requirements
Food Safety Regulations
The Monroe County Health Department has designated the Bloomington Farm Stop Collective as a licensed retail food establishment. If Farm Vendors are interested in creating value-added or prepared foods, please inquire about using the Farm Stop’s license.
It is the vendor’s obligation to comply with all relevant local, state and federal laws relating to their products and the Cooperative shall not be responsible. Vendors are expected to research, understand, and adhere to all licensing, production, labeling, distribution, sampling, and sale requirements for products they plan to sell in the store.
Below are lists of common resources and requirements. Note that this information may not be exhaustive or complete. Vendors should confirm requirements with the Monroe County Health Department or other applicable local or state regulator and provide all related documentation to the Cooperative.
Important Resources:
Monroe County Health Department
Monroe County Weights & Measures
Indiana State Department of Health
Indiana Board of Animal Health
Indiana State Egg Board
Department of Natural Resources, Entomology Division
Office of the Indiana State Chemist
Requirements:
Produce vendors must complete a Produce Safety Alliance Training with Purdue Extension and register with the Indiana State Department of Health within 6 months of becoming a member of the Cooperative.
Wild Mushrooms must be inspected by a state qualified inspector chosen by the Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc. Board of Directors. Only the following wild-collected mushrooms are eligible for sale: Black Morel, Yellow, Gray, or Sponge Morel, Oyster, Smooth Chanterelle, Common Chanterelle, Peach Chanterelle, Chicken of the Woods, Hen of the Woods, Hedgehog, and Lion’s Mane.
Egg vendors must hold a current license from the State Egg Board. All egg cartons must be labeled with the packing date, expiration date, and farm identification information.
Meat and Poultry vendors must follow all inspection, labeling, and transport regulations as required by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. All meat must be processed in a state or federally inspected facility.
Meat vendors do NOT need to obtain a seasonal permit from the Monroe County Health Department
Dairy vendors must hold a current permit from the Indiana State Board of Animal Health Dairy Division. Dairy products including cheese, butter, and yogurt must also be made in a facility licensed and inspected by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health.
Perennial plant vendors should contact the Department of Natural Resources, Entomology Division to determine licensing and inspection needs.
Value-added products may have different requirements based on their ingredients.
Value-added products will need to be prepared in a licensed kitchen or processing facility. A copy of the commercial kitchen certification and other required licenses must be submitted before Farm Vendors can begin selling value-added products.
The Monroe County Health Department has determined that we cannot sell “home based vendor” goods prepared under Indiana law HEA 1309.
Prepared food products must be prepared in a licensed kitchen or processing facility. A copy of the commercial kitchen certification and other required licenses must be submitted before Non-Farm Vendors can begin selling prepared food products.
Pet food vendors must hold a Commercial Feed License from the Office of the Indiana State Chemist. All products must be clearly labeled as intended for pet consumption, not for humans.
Insurance
Before selling at Farm Stop, vendors who sell products that are either consumed or applied to the body must provide a certificate of liability insurance listing:
Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc. as additionally insured
The Additionally Insured entity name and address should be:
Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc.
902 West Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47404
A Commercial General Liability policy with limits of insurance not less than $500,000 each occurrence and $1,000,000 annual aggregate OR a Commercial Umbrella policy limit of at least $1,000,000
The policy must be from an insurer acceptable to the Cooperative, which remains current and in effect during the period of this Agreement.
Disclosure of Production Practices
In order to provide customers with a transparent shopping experience, all vendors are required to fully disclose their production practices. Customers want to know where their food comes from and how it was grown, raised, or made.
This information will be collected on the Vendor Application and used on product signage and in staff communication with customers.
The Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc. reserves the right to verify the claims about anything sold through the store, including visiting and inspecting the farm or business of any vendor. Discovery of false claims or failure to allow farm or business visits will result in termination of the Vendor License and, if applicable, the Membership Agreement.
Vendor Conduct
The Cooperative seeks to create an environment where all feel welcome and safe. As such, vendors are expected to act in a courteous, respectful, and honest manner with customers, fellow vendors, community members, Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc. Board representatives, and staff at all times.
Bloomington Farm Stop Collective is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are crucial to our mission, and as such, hateful conduct is always prohibited. The Co-op has zero tolerance for hateful conduct towards any group or individual. We define hateful conduct as a direct attack on others based on protected characteristics including race, color, national origin, religion, gender identity or expression, familial status, or disability. Hateful conduct can not be expressed in a verbal, online, and/or physical manner, personal social media postings included.
Failure to comply with these expectations will not be tolerated and may result in rejection of vendor applications or immediate revocation of existing vendor licenses at the Cooperative’s sole discretion. Retaliation toward any individual for disclosing such conduct will also not be tolerated.
Customer & Producer Satisfaction
We strive to maintain fresh, appealing products for customers. We reserve the right to reject any unsuitable, spoiled, or damaged product at delivery or from the display area. Materials used for packaging and transporting products must also be clean and sanitary to be accepted for sale.
To provide maximum customer satisfaction, we will accept customer returns on all products for refund or replacement. Vendors will be notified with details of the complaint if a customer requests a refund. The return amount will be deducted from the vendor’s sales payment.
Vendors with concerns about product representation should submit a written explanation to store staff in a timely manner. Each submission will be addressed by the store manager. A vendor may appeal any decision of the manager within 14 days by submitting a written complaint to the Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc. Board. A decision by the Board shall be issued within 30 days of receipt and constitute a final and binding decision.
Risk & Losses
We will take all reasonable measures to ensure the security of vendor goods, including protection against loss, theft and damage in the store. However, products are left at the store at the vendor’s own risk and unsold products will remain the property of the seller. Discrepancies in inventory may be taken up with staff and will be handled on a case by case basis.
Unexpected Challenges
We look forward to many exciting years at Farm Stop. As we continue to learn and grow there may be unexpected challenges along the way. Your patience, constructive feedback, and participation are greatly appreciated as we develop a robust Farm Stop model for Bloomington.
Revisions
The Bloomington Farm Stop Collective, Inc. Board reserves the right to review these policies on a regular basis and make changes as needed. Revised policies will be announced and made available to all vendors. The Board also reserves the right to make exceptions to these policies at its discretion and in the best interests of the store operations.