Arlington has seven wonderful farmers markets. View a map of all the farmers markets.
Food Safety
In order to prevent food borne illness, Arlington adopted the 2013 FDA Food Code. The Food Code provides a science-based technical and legal basis for regulating the food industry. The Public Health Division uses the Food Code during inspections to ensure safe food handling practices. Environmental Health Specialists perform routine and complaint-based inspections at all food establishments, including farmers market vendors that require an Arlington County temporary event license.
Information for All Vendors
All farmers market vendors must submit a farmers market application annually. Vendors who are not “traditional farmers” (e.g. vendors who sell pizzas, omelets, paella, sandwiches, donuts, crepes, tacos, samosas, and other non-traditional farmers market foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables) MUST apply for a temporary food service license in addition to submitting their farmers market application. All temporary food service licenses must be submitted at least ten days before participation in the farmers market event.
“Traditional farmers” must submit a farmers market application. Traditional farmers are those who sell:
- Food produced using a method or facility already inspected and approved by Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)
- Food produced at a manufactured plant subject to jurisdictional agency inspection ex. United States Department of Agriculture
- Food produced for or at an entity exempted from the Virginia Board of Health Regulations (12VAC4-421) pursuant to Code of Virginia 35.1-14.
- Food produced for or at an entity exempted from VDACS inspection pursuant to Code of Virginia 3.2-5130 A 3-5
- Whole, uncut produce and vegetables (e.g., melons, apples) and/or
- Prepackaged non-Time/Temperature Control for Safety foods (e.g., prepackaged fruit pies, prepackaged roasted nuts)
Call Arlington County Public Health Division’s Environmental Health office at 703-228-7400 with any questions or concerns about farmers market licensing. You may also visit the Virginia Department of Health webpage to learn more.
Information for Temporary Event Food Service License Vendors
Farmers market vendors who are not inspected by the US Department of Agriculture must apply for a temporary food service license in order to participate in farmers markets. Applications must be submitted to 2110 Washington Blvd, Ste 350, Arlington, VA 22204 at least ten days before participating in a farmers market.
Become a SNAP Retail Merchant
Increasingly Farmers Market vendors are accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as a payment for products. This can be a win-win-win situation as it gives you direct access to new customers, gives SNAP recipients access to healthy food, and encourages consumption of locally grown produce. The following link will provide information on how the steps needed before you can accept SNAP: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/ebt/fm.htm