fbpx

Become a Vendor

Become a Vendor

Join our Community!

At Vancouver Farmers Markets (VFM), we create vibrant and welcoming markets that build community, feed people, and support small farms and producers. 

We receive over 200 new vendor applications each year and welcome approximately 30 new vendors annually. Because space is limited, we carefully curate each market to ensure: 

  • A strong and balanced product mix
  • Viable sales opportunities for vendors
  • A vibrant experience for shoppers

We bring on new vendors only when we can offer meaningful participation – not just one-off dates. 

Before You Apply

Please review the following carefully.

You Must: 

  • Be based in British Columbia
  • Sell products you grow, raise, catch, harvest or produce yourself
  • Comply with all local, provincial and federal regulations
  • Carry $2M liability insurance with YLFMS as an additional insured (if approved)

Resale is strictly prohibited. 

Co-packing is not permitted except for primary producers processing agricultural products.

Vendor Categories

We accept applications in the following categories: 

Primary Producers

Priority category under our Farmer First policy (minimum 60% of stalls)

  • Organic Farm
  • Conventional Farm
  • Specialty (eg. honey, mushrooms, nuts)
  • Dairy
  • Meat / Seafood
  • Wild Harvest

Prepared Food

Juried category. Approx 20% of stalls. Includes: 

  • Bread
  • Sweet Baked Goods
  • Alternative Baking
  • Meal Makers
  • Preserves / Ferments
  • Condiments
  • Snacks
  • Beverages 

Food Service (Food Trucks & Knock-Down Vendors)

Priority given to vendors sourcing minimum 25% of ingredients from BC. 

Craft

Juried category. Limited intake. Must be made in BC by the vendor. 

Alcohol

Must be produced in BC using BC agricultural products wherever possible.

Note: Each market location has different demographics and capacity limits by category.

Intake Timeline

We review new vendor applications twice per year. 

Summer Season Intake

January – March

Winter Season Intake

August – October

If you apply outside these windows, your application will be held until the next intake period. 

Applications are only reviewed after returning vendors are scheduled and product gaps are identified.

How Competitive Is It?

Each year: 

  • 200+ applications
  • ~30 vendors accepted

We bring on new vendors when: 

  • An existing vendor leaves
  • A product gap is identified
  • Customer demand indicates need
  • A market expands or launches

Even strong products may not be accepted if a category is full at your preferred market. 

We encourage vendors to apply and indicate interest broadly (multiple markets) where possible.

The Application Process

Step 1: Create a Marketspread Profile

Visit: https://marketspread.com/

Step 2: Complete the Vendor Interest Form

Submit the Vancouver Farmers Markets Vendor Interest Form

Understanding Your Application Status

Log into Marketspread to check your status: 

  • Applied (Yellow) → Application submitted
  • Received (Teal) → Under review during intake period
  • Pre-Approved (Blue) → Additional information required
  • Approved (Green) → Eligible to apply for market dates
  • Declined (Red) → Not a fit at this time

Status updates are only made during intake review periods. 

If You Are Selected

Depending on category, the next steps may include: 

  • Application Fee payment
  • Submission of documentation (permits, certifications)
  • Jury process (Prepared Food, Craft, Alcohol, Food Service)
  • Proof ot $2M liability insurance with YLFMS as additional insured
  • Vendor onboarding meeting

From first contact to first market date can take up to 2 months, depending on documentation readiness.

Scheduling & Seniority

Market dates are assigned based on: 

  • Produce mix & balance
  • Physical site capacity
  • Consumer demand
  • Vendor seniority (rolling 4-year system)
  • Compliance history
  • Timely application & payment

Primary producers are scheduled first under our Farmer First policy

Seniority is only one of six factors and does not guarantee dates. 

Market Participation Expectations

Approved vendors must: 

  • Attend scheduled dates
  • Cancel 72 hours in advance if needed
  • Submit sales reports within 48 hours
  • Comply with packaging, labeling and food safety guidelines
  • Uphold our Vendor Code of Conduct

Full guidelines are outlined in our Vendor Handbook

Why You May Not Hear Back From Us

We understand waiting can be difficult. Applications are only reviewed: 

  • During intake windows
  • After scheduling returning vendors
  • Once category gaps are identified

If you have not heard from us, your category may currently be full. 

Our Commitment to Fairness

We are committed to: 

  • Transparent scheduling systems
  • Clear intake timelines
  • Balanced category caps
  • Supporting vendor success, not oversaturation

We appreciate the time and energy required to apply. 

Ready to Apply?

Apply Here: https://marketspread.com/market/29479/vancouver-farmers-markets-interest-form/apply/0/vendor/

Not a maker, baker or grower but interested in being part of the farmers markets?

You may be interested in our Community Table program or Sponsorship program, or contact info@eatlocal.org for more information.