FARMERS MARKET RULES

01/13/2015 by Farmers’ Market Federation of NY, modified for Virginia

Many use the term “rules” and “by-laws” interchangeably. They are similar but have basic differences. By-laws define the structure of the governing body, which operates the farmers market, and once in place are rarely amended. They generally include a definition of officers and their job descriptions and powers, the general purpose of the group, what to do with assets upon dissolution of the market, and so forth. All markets need clear rules to be effective and fair to the market and its vendors. The legal structure of your market will determine whether or not your market needs by-laws. Independently incorporated markets (for-profit) always have both rules and by-laws.