Polk County Farmers Markets are operated by Polk County Local Government under the Agricultural Economic Development Office. We strive to provide the community with the highest quality agricultural products that are produced in a 25 mile radius, as the crow flies, from Columbus, NC and Saluda, NC. 

These Rules and Regulations are mandatory for all farmers, growers, producers, artisans, and food vendors (hereinafter called “vendors”) and are incorporated as part of the Vendor Agreement. All vendors must complete the application form for approval.

• • Vendors are farmers, growers, producers and crafters living within a 25-mile radius, as the crow flies, of each market. Individuals outside of this range may be allowed on a case-by-case, and year-to-year basis, by written application to the Ag. Economic Development Office.  From time to time, other products that are not available locally (within 25 miles) are included in order to offer a viable market for customers. It is the intent of the Polk County Farmers Markets to focus on locally grown, produced, and crafted products. 100% of all craft and value-added products must be handcrafted wholly in North Carolina or South Carolina by the vendor. Preference will be given to people that make a clear effort to tie their products to the land by sourcing local materials whenever possible.

• • Fresh produce must be grown by the vendor. Vendors must reside, grow, or produce within 25 miles, as the crow flies, from the market. Purchasing produce for resale or selling other locally made or grown products is prohibited. Exceptions may be granted by the market management in the interest of a balanced market. 

• • All value-added products must be produced by the vendor, and be approved by market management.

• • Only one 10’ space per vendor is permitted. The market management designates space location for each vendor. Vendors are encouraged to set up tents covering their space.  Canopy weights are required at all times by law to combat wind issues. Minimum 10 pound weights per tent post, 40 pounds total. Each vendor will be responsible for keeping his/her space clean and safe and will make sure it is clean prior to leaving the lot. 

• • Vendors must provide their own equipment, scales, bags, and packaging.

• • All vendors shall have adequate signage, including Farm or Business name, with current prices clearly displayed for all products. Value added food items must be labeled with ingredients.

• • No flea market, re-sale, or handy-craft items will be sold at the Market except at Special Events, which will be announced by the organizers.

• • Vendors are not allowed to solicit for “second causes”. No raffles or information distribution for organizations or other businesses are allowed. No collections of funds for other organizations are allowed.

• • Vendors are encouraged to provide free samples, recipes, and use instructions for products. Please make every effort to avoid non-locally produced products with your samples. Samples do need to be individually wrapped or served. 

• • All markets are rain or shine. Vendors shall be equipped for all weather conditions. In the event of extreme inclement weather, the market manager along with local emergency management will determine if a cancellation is needed for the safety of vendors and customers. 

• • Vendors are required to comply with all applicable Federal, state and local laws and regulations in the production of food products, such as preserves, pickles, relishes, jams, jellies, baked goods, wine, etc. No low-acid canned foods may be sold.

• •Each vendor will be responsible for their own records and any collection and/or payment of applicable sales taxes. Vendors are responsible for staying abreast of all new state and local regulations. 

• Well mannered dogs are permitted at Polk County Farmers Markets during the summer season.

• Courtesy and respect by all vendors for each other and the customers are expected at all times. Public intoxication is unacceptable. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on market premises at any time.

• Any item deemed not suitable for the market by management shall be removed immediately. 

• The Polk County Farmers Market management reserves the right, in the interest of a balanced market, to accept or reject vendors. 

• Set Up and Breakdown: 

• Saluda Tailgate Market – Set up for the Saluda Tailgate Market begins at 3:00pm for a start time of 4:00pm. Breakdown begins at the close of market at 6:00pm. All vendor vehicles must remain in their assigned spaces during market hours.

• Columbus Farmers Market – Set Up for the Columbus Market begins at 7am for a start time of 8am. Breakdown begins at the close of market at 12pm. All vendor vehicles must remain in their assigned spaces during market hours. 

• Vendor Cancellation: If something out of your control happens prohibiting you from attending the market, please notify the market manager as soon as possible. 

• Indemnification: Vendor shall indemnify and hold Polk County, Polk County Farms, Polk County’s Agricultural Economic Development Department, The Town of Columbus and the City of Saluda, and their respective officers, directors, agents, and employees (together, the “Indemnified Parties”), harmless from any and all claims, suits, demands, debts, undertakings or proceedings of any kind or nature, whether meritorious or frivolous, in any way arising out of the Vendor’s use of the Space, including liability caused in whole or in part by the Indemnified Parties. Vendor shall, at its own expense, appear, defend, and pay all attorneys’ fees and all costs and other expenses arising therefrom or incurred in connection therewith; and, if any judgment shall be rendered against the Indemnified Parties in any such action, Vendor shall, at its own expense, satisfy and discharge same.

• This is a living document. Vendors will be updated if any changes are made mid-season. All vendors are required to read and be aware of the information entailed before application approval each year.

Market communication can be directed to:

info@polkcountyfarms.org

Phone (828) 894-2281 office   
156 School Rd Suite 111      Mill Spring, NC 28756

Dawn Jordan, Polk County Ag Economic Development Director, Columbus Market Manager

Molly Linhares, Saluda Tailgate Market Manager

The Polk Summer Farmers Market is  operated by Polk County Local Government under the Agricultural Economic Development Office. Thank you to the Community Foundation of Western NC for their sponsorship.