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Vendor Rules & Guidelines

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The Missouri Valley Gathering Market exists to support local farmers, makers, bakers, and artisans while honoring the land, history, and community of the Missouri Valley and Loess Hills. These guidelines help preserve a market that is welcoming, honest, and rooted in local production.

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1. Vendor Eligibility

  • Vendors must grow, raise, make, or produce all items they sell.

  • Resale or “buy-sell” items are not permitted unless explicitly approved.

  • Products must be produced in Iowa, Nebraska, or the greater Missouri Valley / Loess Hills region.

  • Vendors may be asked to provide proof of production (photos, licenses, or site visits).

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2. Approved Products
Allowed

  • Fresh fruits and vegetables

  • Eggs (properly labeled)

  • Honey, maple syrup, jams, jellies

  • Baked goods (cottage food compliant)

  • Meat (frozen, inspected, properly labeled)

  • Plants, flowers, seedlings

  • Handmade crafts and artisan goods

    • Includes 3D printed items

Not Allowed

  • Mass-produced or imported goods

  • Commercially packaged foods without proper licensing

  • Alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or weapons

  • Live animals (unless approved for educational purposes)

(Items may be added with Market manager's approval)

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3. Licensing & Food Safety (Iowa + Nebraska)

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Iowa Vendors

  • Must comply with Iowa Cottage Food Law

  • Shelf-stable foods only

  • Proper labeling required

  • Meat must be processed at a USDA or Iowa-inspected facility

  • Egg sales must meet Iowa labeling requirements

Nebraska Vendors

  • Must hold a Nebraska Cottage Food Permit

  • Permit must be available or displayed

  • Meat must be processed at a USDA or Nebraska-inspected facility

  • Egg sales must meet Nebraska labeling requirements

All Vendors

  • Vendors are responsible for all permits, licenses, and taxes

  • Market management does not provide regulatory coverage

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4. Labeling Requirements
Packaged foods must include:

  • Product name

  • Producer name + city/state

  • Ingredient list (descending by weight)

  • Allergen disclosure

  • Required state cottage food disclaimer

Egg cartons must include:

  • Producer name and address

  • Pack date

  • Required state wording

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5. Booth Setup & Safety

  • Standard booth size: 10’ x 10’

  • Vendors provide their own tables, tents, and displays

  • Tents must be secured with 40 lbs per leg minimum

  • Booths must be clean, stable, and visually respectful of the market

  • No open flames or cooking without approval

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6. Signage

Each booth must display:

  • Farm or business name

  • Clearly posted prices

  • Required permits (if applicable)

Handwritten signage is welcome if neat and legible.

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7. Market Hours & Attendance

  • Vendors must be set up 30 minutes before opening

  • Early tear-down requires approval

  • Advance notice is expected for absences

  • Repeated no-shows may result in loss of space

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8. Vendor Conduct

We value a market that feels neighborly and safe.

  • Vendors must act with respect and professionalism

  • No harassment or aggressive sales tactics

  • No amplified music without permission

  • No smoking or vaping in market areas

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9. Pricing & Sales

  • Vendors set their own prices

  • Intentional price dumping is discouraged

  • Prices must be clearly posted

  • Vendors are responsible for sales tax compliance

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10. Clean-Up & Stewardship

  • Vendors must leave their space clean

  • All trash must be removed

  • No dumping of liquids or food waste

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11. Weather Policy

The Missouri Valley Gathering Market operates rain or shine unless canceled by management. Vendors are responsible for weather-ready setups.

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12. Enforcement

  • Verbal warning

  • Written warning

  • Removal from the market

Immediate removal may occur for safety or integrity concerns.

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