Thank you for your interest in becoming a vendor at Gorge Grown Farmers Markets. Gorge Grown manages three farmers markets in the Columbia River Gorge: Hood River Farmers Market, Mercado del Valle and White Salmon Farmers Market. We are proud to host markets that serve as a small business incubator for the many wonderful farms, nurseries, bakeries, meat and fish providers, cheese makers, specialty food producers and artists our area has to offer. Our markets have grown to be flourishing community events that bring neighbors together to share the local flavors of the Gorge.
Applications Available Now:
HOOD RIVER FARMERS MARKET
CORE SEASON: SATURDAYS | 9AM – 1PM | 501 COLUMBIA STREET | MAY – NOVEMBER
2023 Farmers Market Vendor Packet (Rules & Guidelines)
Online Application for Food & Farm Vendors | PDF available here
Please note: we are not accepting applications from artists & craft makers for the core season. Please consider applying to the winter season. Link below.
WINTER SEASON: 1ST & 3RD SATURDAYS | 10AM – 12PM | 403 PORTWAY AVE | DEC – APRIL
Application Process:
STEP 1 - SEE IF YOU QUALIFY & REVIEW MARKET RULES
Gorge Grown Farmers Markets are a place to showcase locally grown, raised, sourced, and produced products. Products allowed at the market include:
- Farm products including fruits, vegetables, nuts, honey, eggs, herbs, meat and dairy. All farm products must be grown, raised, produced, caught, or gathered in the Gorge (Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat, or Skamania Counties)
- Fish and seafood products legally caught (not farmed) by the producer in OR or WA
- Foraged products including mushrooms, herbs, plants or berries legally gathered in the Gorge
- Nursery products grown or cared for by the farmer and include fresh cut or potted flowers, bedding plants, seeds, perennials, annuals, trees, or shrubs that are propagated by the vendor in the Gorge
- Processed farm products made from raw ingredients. These products include cheeses, dairy, meats, dried fruits and vegetables, juices, jams, etc.
- Prepared food products that are ready-to-eat onsite. These products must include 25% local, raw ingredients from the Gorge.
- Second farm products sourced from the Gorge
- Services such as knife-sharpening or other farm/ food related services.
- Craft products as accepted by the market jury
- Please note: craft items that are produced outside of the Gorge and products from Direct Marketing or MLM businesses will not be allowed at the market.
The Vendor Packet contains market rules and operating procedures.
2022/2023 Hood River Farmers Market Vendor Packet (winter season)
STEP 2 - SUBMIT A COMPLETE APPLICATION
Links to available applications can be found a the top of this page. Email any supporting documents to Hannah@gorgegrown.com.
STEP 3 - SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FEE
Application fees can be submitted through the application for with a debit card or credit. Application fees can also be paid via check. Instructions are included in the application.
The application fee $25 before the priority deadline, $35 after.
STEP 4 - BE PATIENT WHILE WE REVIEW YOUR APPLICATION
On or around the priority deadline, Gorge Grown Food Network will review applications and be in contact with all applicants regarding acceptance to market. If you submit your application after the priority deadline, GGFN will be in contact within two weeks of receiving your application.
The selection process for vendors takes into consideration many factors, including product quality, sourcing, presentation, seniority, regulation compliance, customer service and the right product and vendor mix to ensure a successful market.
Craft makers and artists will be juried before being allowed to sell at Gorge Grown Farmers Markets. A product review committee comprised of members of the arts community will rule on crafter applications.
STEP 5 - ATTEND VENDOR ORIENTATION
If you are offered a booth space, you are required to attend a vendor orientation meeting. Vendors that miss the mandatory orientation will be asked to attend an alternative meeting. Vendors that join a market after the scheduled orientation will need to attend a meeting with the farmers market manager to review important topics covered before starting at the market.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES FOR VENDORS
Gorge Grown Food Network Forms and Policies
- Vendor Concern Form
- Hood River Farmers Market Vendor Currency Guide (page 11 – 12)
- White Salmon Farmers Market Vendor Currency Guide (coming soon)
- Farmers Market Outreach Tabling Policy
Food Safety and Licensing
- Hood River County Health Department, Temporary Restaurant License, Food Handlers Permits
- Oregon Department of Agriculture, ODA Food Safety Division
- Washington State Department of Agriculture, Regulations for Specific Products
- ODA Measurement Standards Division
- ODA Eggs Licensing
- Farm Direct Nutrition Program (FDNP)
- Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC)
- Washington State Department of Agriculture
- Oregon’s Home Baking Bill
- Oregon’s Farm Direct Bill
- La Ley de Oregon Sobre la Venta Directa de la Granja
- Commercial Kitchens in the Gorge
- Meat Processing Facilities
Oregon Liquor Control Commission
Certification Organizations
Read our Frequently Asked Questions for New or Potential Vendors at the Hood River Farmers Market.
Information for community groups and nonprofit organizations doing outreach at farmers markets is available here.