GOFM’s Backyard Growers (BYG)

Member Agreement

Galveston’s Own Farmers Market’s mission is to build and sustain a local food community through a vibrant, producers-only marketplace, improved food access, and educational programming. The creation of our Backyard Growers is aligned with our dedication to increasing accessibility and knowledge of fresh, local foods. GOFM’s Board of Directors & the entire GOFM community are delighted to welcome you as a member of the Backyard Growers.

Please note that this initiative is new, and thus this agreement is a living document that will evolve with time. Members may be asked to review and sign an updated version of this agreement at any time.

Definitions:

GOFM: Galveston’s Own Farmers Market

Growers/BYG: a registered member of GOFM’s Backyard Growers

BYG/GBYG: shorthand for GOFM’s Backyard Growers

BYG Corner: the designated tent(s) where Growers can sell their produce at GOFM

Market Manager: GOFM employs a Manager who runs the weekly markets. This person is in charge of all operations during marketdays. They work with the GBG Team Captain to ensure the BYG Corner runs smoothly.

Dumping: selling products at a drastically reduced rate, well below standard market value

How GBGC Works

• GOFM holds the insurance policy for GOFM’s Backyard Growers and administers the BYG Corner at GOFM’s weekly markets.
• Any backyard grower who pays the annual fee becomes a member of the GBGC and is listed as Additional Insured on the insurance policy.
• Membership fees are renewed annually.
• GOFM only collects fees for membership registration and $5 per market appearance. Growers keep all remaining profits.
• Growers have an accessible, friendly & supportive environment in which to sell excess produce from their backyard gardens without having to invest in insurance, tents and other vendor infrastructure. GOFM benefits from having more local produce at market and encouraging the proliferation of more gardens and gardeners in Galveston County.

Member Requirements:

TYPES OF Backyard Growers (BYG)

GOFM BYG members are permitted to sell fruits, vegetables, flowers, or with some constraints, eggs. GOFM will assist by providing tents and tables for their stalls.

• To sell eggs, they must first request permission from GOFM, and then:

• Obtain a “Potentially Hazardous Food Permit” from Galveston County Health District (an annual cost of $100)
• Must label their egg cartons 'Ungraded' followed by 'Produced by [producer’s name], 'along with the producer’s address in legible, printed, boldface type.
• The egg cartons must include a Safe Handling Instructions statement inside the lid: “To prevent illness from bacteria: keep eggs refrigerated, cook eggs until yolks are firm, and cook foods containing eggs thoroughly.”  You can find more information here: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/health-nutrition/selling-yard-eggs-in-texas/ 
• Growers may not sell value-added products, artisan products or any prepared foods. If they wish to expand to these products, they must apply to become a GOFM Vendor.

MEMBERSHIP FEE STRUCTURE

• Full Rate ($30 annual fee):

• Applicable to all prospective backyard growers,

• Discount Rate ($15 annual fee)

• Applicable to growers operating with Seeding Galveston-affiliated “Kitchen Gardens”

• Booth Fee is $5

• If you late cancel after 10 PM Saturday or a no-show/late on marketday, there will be a $15 charge.

PAYMENT METHODS:

All fees are handled via ACH. When you’re onboarded, you’ll enter your ACH information within our secure form.

• At Market, Growers can accept MarketMatch tickets for their products. Each ticket is $1, and these reimbursements will be applied to Booth Fee.
• If reimbursement is higher than the booth fee, we process reimbursements via ACH. (E.g. If tickets are $6, they would be reimbursed $1 via ACH)
• Payments/Reimbursements are processed via ACH 2-3 business days after the attended market.
• If you need to update your ACH form at any time, please email accounting@gofarmersmarket.com.

MARKET REGULATIONS:

• Signs and Decorations: Growers are not permitted to have their own “branding” signs or decorations at their stalls.
• Pricing Display: Growers must have their prices visibly posted at their tables.
• Fair Market Pricing: Growers must adhere to fair market pricing. This means their offerings should be priced consistently with what GOFM GBGC members charge. The Market Manager can offer guidance on pricing and may suggest adjustments if necessary (recommend a chalkboard sign to adjust & match prices day-of). "Dumping" of goods is not allowed under any circumstance. Growers are encouraged to consult/familiarize with GOFM farmers for pricing advice.
• Growing Guidelines: Growers must use organic/natural methods and follow the same growing guidelines as the Farmer Vendors at GOFM. Specific rules are outlined in the GOFM Market Rules, and adherence to these rules is required.

• Vendors selling “nursery” items must sell only cut flowers, potted plants, trees or nursery starts that are grown from seed, plug, cutting, bulb or bare-root by the seller. No resale of plants is allowed.

Becoming a Backyard Grower

• In order to become a full member of the BYG and sell at GOFM, all growers must:

• Read GOFM’s Market Rules available online here>
• Complete the online Agreement & Hold Harmless form here>

• Within 7 business days, our Market Manager will call you to go over Market Rules + next steps. Once approved, you’ll be sent the Onboarding Form & the BYG RSVP Form.

HOW TO RSVP:

• You’ll receive the password to the RSVP Form once onboarded, along with an email with the setup guidelines.

• Must RSVP by 5PM the Wednesday BEFORE anticipated market.
• If you RSVP after the deadline, you will not be added to the map.
• You may register in the future.

• Growers may sell on any Sunday.
• All Growers must abide by GOFM’s Market Rules. Noncompliance of any rules are grounds for removal as a BYG member.

GOFM OFFERS:

• GOFM will provide tents, which is setup by BYG upon arrival to the market.
• GOFM will provide 1 table per grower, tablecloths, and BYG sign.
• Growers do not have access to electricity.
• There are no reserved spots. GOFM has the right to relocate/shift growers tables at Manager’s discretion.

BYG DAY-OF RULES:

• BYG must arrive for set-up between  8am– 8:45am. MUST be ready to sell by 9am no exceptions.
• You may stay until close to sell your produce. If you sell out early, you can process your checkout with the Market Manager.
• If you do stay until the end and you use a vehicle to load, you can only bring your vehicle back to pack up at 1:15 PM
• Must follow Market Rules regarding setup/parking on the lot. You’ll receive Setup information after being onboarded.
• BYGs are not allowed their own individual signs or decorations
• Information about a non-profit affiliated with a grower’s garden may be displayed

•  Ex: brochures for Seeding Galveston and information about how customers can get their own Kitchen Garden.

• Growers must have their prices posted at their table.
• Growers must abide by fair market pricing, meaning all offerings must be priced consistent with what GOFM vendors charge. GOFM’s Market Manager is available for advice on this matter, and may intervene to suggest different pricing if deemed necessary. No “dumping” of goods allowed under any circumstance. We encourage growers to talk with GOFM farmers in order to price their harvests accordingly.
• Growers themselves have to be there to sell in-person or must arrange for a family member or friend to sell in their stead. Growers are responsible for communicating Market Rules to these representatives.
• A BYG may apply to become a GOFM Vendor at any time. Visit our webpage here>

Thank you for joining the GOFM community as a member of GOFM’s Backyard Growers.

We look forward to working with you, promoting your efforts and highlighting the fruits of your labor! By participating in GBGC, you are part of the transformation of Galveston Island and the improvement of our community as a whole.