What do you need to start selling food at a farmers market?
You might assume that the first steps are registering a business, choosing a name, and creating a sign. Those things can be helpful—especially because brand recognition develops over time—but they are not where you should begin.
First, choose the farmers’ market where you want to test selling your product. Contact the market manager and ask which products vendors are permitted to sell, what rules the market follows, whether space is available, and how much it costs to have a table, a stall, or a trailer (if you have your own) at the market. Each market may have its own application process, fees, schedules, and product restrictions.
Don’t get intimidated by all the details. If you don’t have everything right for your first market, that is okay. You will see the other vendors and learn practical tips. It is better to start 80% ready than not to start until everything is perfect. It never is.
Next, decide what you can prepare and sell safely and legally. For a new food entrepreneur, the easiest place to begin is often with low-risk, home-prepared food. Examples may include certain shelf-stable baked goods, candies and confections, and fresh fruits. Foods containing meat, dairy, eggs, or other ingredients requiring careful temperature control may be subject to additional requirements.
The Government of Alberta provides a more detailed explanation of eligible products and the rules that apply in its Low-Risk Home-Prepared Food Fact Sheet.