Get the right permits

Learn how to operate a certified farmers' market or join one as a vendor.

Permits you might need

Open or operate a market

Open or operate a market

You'll need an agricultural certificate to operate a Certified Farmers Market (CFM) issued by the Agriculture Program. You will also need a health permit from the Food Safety Program. These 2 programs have different requirements, fees, and contacts.

Learn about the requirements to open or operate a certified farmers’ market.

Sell produce you grow at a market

Sell produce you grow at a market

Apply to become a certified producer to sell your produce at any Certified Farmers’ Market (CFM) in California.

View a list of certified producers.

Sell prepackaged food at a market

Sell prepackaged food at a market

You need to get approved by the manager of the specific market you are interested in. You should already have a market in mind. Follow the process with that market to get approved as a vendor. Then you need to apply for a health permit. The health permit you need to operate depends on how your food is prepared, packaged, or sold.

Sell food you make onsite

Sell food you make onsite

You need to get approved by the manager of the specific market you are interested in. You should already have a market in mind. Follow the process with that market to get approved as a vendor.

The market manager will give you the temporary food facility application you need to prepare food onsite at the farmers' market. Give your completed forms to the manager of the farmers' market where you are applying. They are responsible for making sure all required documentation is accounted for, and will submit it to the health department.

Have a food truck at a market

Have a food truck at a market

ou need to get an approval letter from the market manager of the specific Certified Farmers' Market you're interested in joining. You should already have a mobile food facility permit in San Francisco.

1. Fill out your concession application

You'll send the following form to the health department along with other documents outlined in the next step:

Mobile food facility concession application

2. Submit all documentation to the health department

Gather the following:

  • Completed concession application from Step 1
  • Approval letter from the market manager
  • Copy of your health permit to operate
  • Copy of your food safety manager certificate

Email your documents to:

Amelia Castelli
Senior Environmental Health Inspector
amelia.castelli@sfdph.org

Sell food you make at home

Sell food you make at home

To make food at home like jams, jellies, and baked goods that you sell to other people, you have to get a special "Cottage Food" permit. Get a cottage food permit to sell what you make direct to customers or retail markets in California.

Sell plants at a market

Sell plants at a market

You need a license to sell nursery stock if you want to sell plants and plant products for planting, propagation, or ornamentation. Learn more about the requirements and license.

Get help

Amelia Castelli
Senior Environmental Health Inspector
Food Safety Program
Amelia.Castelli@sfdph.org
415-252-3838

Cree Morgan
Agricultural Commissioner
Agriculture Program
Cree.Morgan@sfdph.org
415-252-3830

Or visit the Public Health counter at the Permit Center.

About

The Environmental Health Branch manages health permits and inspections for Farmers' Markets, to keep food safe for consumption. We're a part of the Department of Public Health.