Agricultural Producer Vendor application

Agricultural producer vendors include: 

• produce that has been grown on the producer’s land (including leased land),
• meat/eggs/processed meat products from animals raised on the producers’ land (including leased land) & are processed at a USDA-inspected facility
• products such as cheese, yogurt,  or honey sourced from animals raised on the producers' land (including leased land)

FOOD PERMITTING:

• Produce Farmers/Beekeepers: Producers vending only uncut fruits and vegetables do not need to obtain any permits in order to sell at GOFM. There is currently no permitting required of beekeepers, although beekeepers must allow a site visit to at least one of their beeyards.
• Ranchers: Frozen meats require a Galveston County Health District "Potentially Hazardous Foods Permit" and must be processed and packaged at permitted facilities. They must be labeled and must meet Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) for time kept hot or cold as required.
• Eggs only: Require the same Galveston County Health District "Potentially Hazardous Foods Permit" and cartons must be labeled with the producer’s name, address and the word "ungraded." Eggs must be kept cooled at 45 degrees or less.
• If an agricultural producer wishes to also vend value-added items or prepared foods or artisan goods, they must fill out an additional application and obtain the relevant permitting where necessary. If an agricultural producer wishes to sell soap or yarn in addition to their food products, they are asked to fill out the Non-food Artisan Vendor application

GALVESTON COUNTY HEALTH DISTRICT (GCHD) PERMITTING FAQs:

• Link to GCHD Consumer Health Services
• GCHD Description of a "Farmers Market" food establishment (scroll down)
• Link to GCHD Temporary Food Establishment Form for all "potentially hazardous foods" (ie anything that must be refrigerated to remain safe)
• Texas Dept. of Health & Human Services FAQs about farmers markets
• GCHD phone number (409) 938-2411 
• Address: 9850-D Emmett F. Lowry Expy./ Suite D-100/ Texas City, TX 77591
• Walk-in Hours: Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm

Please ensure you have read all information above before completing your application.

In your application, you must be as transparent and detailed as possible abo ut your operation's methods, ingredients and philosophy. We value honesty and a commitment to local, sustainable systems and preference is always given to organic (uncertified or certified) operations. GOFM conducts site visits to all agricultural producer operations. The vetting of applications is conducted by the entire Board of Directors at our monthly Board meetings, and depending on when you submit your application it may take up to 1 month to receive a final response.