Standards for Stallholders

It is up to each market to agree the standards that they want their market stallholders to abide by, and to help them with this, the Association has consulted with its Market Managers and retail specialists and come up with what we believe is 'best-practice' for stallholders. This becomes the basis of an agreement between the stallholder and the market. We would strongly recommend you create a formal agreement with your stallholders and renew annually (to create your own Agreement, highlight the text, copy and paste into a word document)

About the produce

For the purpose of these standards, 'local' is defined as within a 35 mile radius of the market, preferably in Kent or close to the County boundary.

Only produce from within the defined 'local area' may be sold at the market, with the exception of when produce is difficult to source it may be admitted from up to 50 miles, but these producers will not be classed as local to this market.

Preference will be given to the most local producer when a space becomes available so long as the required standards are met.

All produce sold should be grown, reared, caught, or processed by the Producer. The Producer, or someone appointed by the Producer (s) who is knowledgeable about the growing/rearing/making the product, may sell the produce. No bought in produce simply for re-sale will be permitted.

Processed goods must contain as much locally grown/reared ingredients as possible

Produce preparation, packaging, display and handling must comply with local Environmental Health legislation. Adequate hand washing facilities must be provided where appropriate

Produce weighing, labelling and signage must comply with Trading Standards legislation

Genetically modified products should not knowingly be used in the production of goods offered at the market.

Only top quality produce should be offered for sale at the market, you will be requested to remove sub-standard items.

About the stalls and stallholders

Stallholders/Producers must have Public, Product and Employee Liability insurance and any relevant hygiene certificates. Proof of these must be given to the market mangere annually. Anyone minding your stall on a temporary basis, is classed as an employee and must be covered by the appropriate insurance/certificates.

The Market Manager will allocate location of stalls on the day, and his/her decision is final.

Stalls should be clearly labelled with the business name.

If claiming 'organic' or similar certification, a copy of the certificate and supporting documents must be displayed on your stall.

The stallholder must be dressed in clean and suitably presentable clothing, appropriate for the prevailing climate. Smoking at the stall and within the market environs is strictly prohibited.

Transportation of produce to market. Ensure that vehicle/s and containers are suitable for the task and meet hygiene standards e.g. avoiding the cross contamination of food for consumption with materials transported around the farm must be avoided.

Stalls must be kept clean, tidy and free from hazards. The stallholder must clean up any spillage. Stallholders are responsible for removing their own rubbish at the end of the day.

Stalls must be ready for trading by when the market opens. Vehicles must be removed to the designated parking area half an hour in advance of this.

Toilet facilities should be provided

Packing up should not begin before market closure, which is the only time when vehicles may be brought back onto site. Even if stallholders sell out, they must remain at the market until closing as it affects the look of the market overall i.e. treat it as an opportunity to promote produce and business

Antisocial behaviour will mean instant dismissal from the market.

Deliberate flouting of these standards, or continued non-compliance would result in stallholders being unable to trade at the market.