Certified Farmers’ Markets

There are more than 30 Certified Farmers’ Markets that operate within San Diego County. Certified Farmers’ Markets are the most common form of direct marketing that local growers use to market their products directly to the consumer. Certified Farmers’ Market regulations are established in the California Code of Regulations, and local certification is coordinated and approved by the County of San Diego, Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures (Agricultural Commissioner’s Office).

Growers interested in participating in a local Certified Farmers’ Market must have their crops certified and must obtain a Certified Producer’s Certificate from the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office. This requires growers to complete and submit a Certified Producer’s Certificate application form and to have their growing site(s) inspected by an official from the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office to verify each product to be sold at a Certified Farmers’ Market. The certification process will take approximately 2 to 4 weeks to complete. The costs included in obtaining a certificate include a  Certified Producer’s Certificate Fee (ranging from $12-$69) and an Inspection Fee ($169 hourly rate). A grower is restricted to selling only those crops that appear as “certified” on his or her certified producer's certificate.

In addition, Certified Farmers' Markets are very competitive and growers must first contact the manager of the CFM(s) of their choice to inquire about market openings. Doing this early on in the process will give a grower time to explore other options. The list of Certified Farmers' Markets operating in San Diego County is on the County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures' site and linked below. Other listings and opportunities to promote your business at a Certified Farmers' Market may be found in this website's Resource Directory.

County of San Diego, Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures
https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/awm.html

San Diego Office:
9325 Hazard Way, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92123
858-694-2739

North County Office:
151 E. Carmel Street, San Marcos, CA 92078
760-752-4700

• Farmers Market - General Information (http://www.sdfarmersmarkets.org)
• List of Certified Farmers Markets in the County of San Diego