Regulations and Insurance

State, county, local laws and regulations pertaining to the establishment and operation of a farm retail market need to be investigated. In most states the State Department of Agriculture is an excellent source to begin with for obtaining assistance in making necessary contacts. Laws and regulations are likely to exist that govern parking, entrance-exit requirements, zoning, advertising (signs and roadways), public health, weights and measures, pesticide use, labor, taxes, licenses, etc. Laws and regulations are subject to change, so careful planning and information gathering are important activities before beginning the marketing operation.

Direct marketing represents a much different way of selling products than traditional wholesale farm sales methods. Once the decision to begin a farm retail marketing business has been made, one must consider the need for adequate insurance. Potential farm market operators will need to discuss these needs with an appropriate insurance agency. Additional assistance may be obtained from Extension specialists and other farm retail market operators.

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