Sticking to the Mission!

I’ve received many suggestions about how the Andover Community Farmers Market should be run. Some people have asked why the market isn’t on Saturday. Others have asked why I don’t allow craft vendors.

Since these questions continue to come up, I’d like to explain the philosophy behind the market.

Since taking on the responsibility of organizing the Andover Community Farmers Market, every decision I’ve made has come back to one simple question:

“Will this help local farmers and food producers succeed?”

That question has guided every decision I’ve made, and it will continue to do so.

That is why the market is held on Friday.

Within our region there is one farmers market on Wednesday, one on Thursday, Andover on Friday, four on Saturday, and two on Sunday. There are only so many farmers and food producers serving our area, and many have spent years building relationships with those established Saturday markets.

If I moved the Andover market to Saturday, we wouldn’t suddenly have more farmers. We would simply be asking them to leave markets where they’ve already built a customer base and made long-term commitments. Most wouldn’t—and I wouldn’t expect them to.

People often see farmers standing behind a table for a few hours each week. What they don’t always see are the days of work that happen before the market opens: planting, harvesting, caring for livestock, washing produce, making jams, collecting eggs, packaging products, loading vehicles, setting up, selling, tearing down, and then starting all over again. Friday allows many of them to participate in Andover without competing directly with four established Saturday markets. That wasn’t a decision based on convenience—it was a decision based on listening to the people that make this market possible.

The same philosophy explains why this farmers market is not a general vendor or craft market.

There are many wonderful craft shows and artisan events throughout our region, and they deserve our support. But this market was created to give farmers and food producers a place where they are the focus. I believe our community deserves a market where people know they can come specifically for locally grown and locally produced food.

I understand that some people would rather shop on Saturday or would enjoy seeing craft vendors. Those are perfectly reasonable preferences. But my responsibility is to build a market that gives farmers and food producers the best opportunity to succeed—not simply to create the event that appeals to the widest audience.

While these conversations are taking place, there is also important work happening behind the scenes. Through Healthy Roots Community, we are working toward bringing SNAP, WIC, and the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program to the Andover Community Farmers Market. Those efforts take planning, partnerships, and persistence, but they reflect the reason this market exists: to strengthen our local food system and make fresh, locally produced food available to more people in our community.

The mission is simple: Supporting local farmers and food producers, strengthening our local food system, supporting our local businesses, and building a market that can grow and thrive for the benefit of the entire community.

Thank you to everyone who has supported that mission. I hope you’ll continue to stand with our farmers, our food producers, and the future of the Andover Small Business Community and the Andover Community Farmers Market.

Andover Community Farmers Market – Mission Statement

Andover Community Farmers Market - Mission Statement

The Andover Community Farmers Market exists to strengthen our local food system by supporting farmers and food producers, connecting our community with fresh, locally produced agricultural products, and preserving regional agriculture for future generations.

We are committed to creating a welcoming, farmer-focused marketplace where locally produced agricultural products always come first while encouraging visitors to support the brick-and-mortar businesses that have invested in and serve our community year-round.

Our guiding principle is simple: Every decision will strengthen our farmers and food producers, enrich our community, and contribute to a resilient local food system and economy.

Thank you!

We want to thank Healthy Roots Community for sponsoring the Andover Community Farmers Market. 

They are providing the insurance for the Market and along with OSU-Extension have really helped us get off the ground. 

Both of these organizations are now working hard to make it so we can accept SNAP, WIC, and the Senior Nutrition Program!

We also want to thank the surrounding Farmers Market for their unwavering support!

Required documents!

 

Hello Vendors,

We are excited to welcome you to the Andover Community Farmers Market and appreciate your interest in participating this season.

As we move forward with organizing the market, we want to make everyone aware of several required items that must be completed prior to participation.

These requirements are not being imposed individually by market management, but are being required by the market’s insurance carrier, as well as the insurance requirements associated with the use of public space within the Village of Andover and Andover Township.

Before a vendor may participate in the market, the following documentation must be submitted:

• Proof of current liability insurance

• A copy of your insurance certificate or policy documentation

• Your policy must list the following as Additional Insureds:

• Healthy Roots Community
• Village of Andover
• Andover Township

• You will also need to provide:

• Proof of completion/approval of the Village of Andover Vendor License
• A copy of your approved Village Vendor License

In addition, the Andover Community Farmers Market is intended to remain a true farmers market focused on local agriculture and locally produced goods.

To help maintain that focus, at least 50% of products offered for sale should originate from your own farm or from another local farm source. The remaining portion of your booth may include value-added products created by the vendor, such as baked goods, jams, honey products, soaps, or similar handcrafted items connected to agricultural production.

This policy helps preserve the agricultural identity of the market and distinguishes the market from a general craft show or resale event.

Vendors selling regulated food products are responsible for complying with all applicable State of Ohio and local health regulations and licensing requirements.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Egg producers providing appropriate state licensing or certification documentation

• Meat vendors providing proper state or federally inspected processing documentation and required licenses or permits

• Any vendor selling regulated food items supplying copies of required permits, licenses, or certifications upon request

Copies of applicable licenses, certifications, or inspection documentation must be submitted to the market prior to participation where required.

These requirements are intended to protect vendors, customers, the market, and the community while helping create a safe, professional, and sustainable local market experience.

We understand that this adds additional steps to the process, and we sincerely appreciate your cooperation and professionalism as we work to build a successful market for everyone involved.

Please submit documentation electronically to:

andovercfm@gmail.com

Or drop it off at:

Bakery On The Square

34 Public Square

Andover, OH. 44003

Vendors who have not completed the required documentation prior to market participation may not be permitted to set up.

Thank you again for being part of the Andover Community Farmers Market. We are looking forward to a wonderful season supporting local growers, producers, and small businesses.

Sincerely,

Andover Community Farmers Market

Market Schedule Update

Why are we changing the Day? There are 5 Farmers Markets in our area, and farmers are already committed to be at those markets.


Why in the afternoon? It is the time of day that some growers have expressed an interest in.


Why July and not June? That is when more crops will be ready to pick.


All of these reasons came from the growers themselves!


It's a funny thing about wanting to create a Farmers Market. You actually need Farmers and they actually need something to sell!


The Andover Community Farmers Market will run from July 10th to October 2nd.
It will be held every Friday from 2 PM to 7 PM.


(Some farmers will arrive at 2 PM and leave at 6 PM, and some may arrive at 3 PM and leave at 7 PM)

🛡️ Vendor Insurance Info

To help protect our vendors, customers, and the community, some vendors may be asked to carry basic liability insurance appropriate to their products.

This applies to vendors selling items such as:

* eggs, honey, mushrooms

* fruits & vegetables

* meat, cheese, and other food products

💰 Cost

Most small farm vendors pay about:

* $200–$400 per year

* or $20–$35 per month

👉 This is not just for our market — it can be used at any farmers market or event, all season long.

🔗 Easy Insurance Options

FLIP (Best for food vendors)

For FLIP Farmers Market Insurance click HERE

K&K Insurance (General vendor coverage)

For K&K Vendor Liability Insurance click HERE

(Both of these companies have A+ ratings with the Better Business Bureau.)

Vendors will simply provide a Certificate of Insurance listing the Andover Community Farmers Market and Village of Andover, and Andover Township. 

We don’t want Insurance stoping you from being a part of the Andover Community Farmers Market!

Farmers Market (Not a Craft Show)

 Our market is dedicated to supporting local agriculture. As part of our agreement with Andover Township, vendors must offer at least 50% farm-grown or farm-produced items from their own farm—such as fruits, vegetables, honey, maple syrup, mushrooms, or value-added products (like relishes, jellies, and pickles) made from their own harvest and prepared in accordance with state regulations.

The Township has generously allowed use of the Square with the understanding that this remains a farmer-focused market, not a weekly festival. For that reason, we are not accepting craft-only vendors or activities that shift the focus away from agriculture.

(Every Vendor Will Be Vetted)

Vendor Fees - None!

No Fees!

Instead, we will have a Shopping Cart in The Square and are asking for non-perishable food donations for the Pymatuning Area Community Food Pantry.

Also, when a Vendor fills out the Andover Village Vendors License, which is good for 90 days, and pays the fee of $25.00. The Andover Community Farmers Market will reimburse the Vendor for that amount at the end of the season!

Rules & Regulations

 

Andover Community Farmers Market

Rules & Regulations Sheet

Market Purpose

The Andover Community Farmers Market is a producer-based agricultural market that supports local farmers and provides fresh, locally grown products to the community.

Agriculture is the priority.

1. Producer-Based Requirement

• Vendors must grow, raise, or harvest the primary products they sell.

• At least 50% of booth inventory must be agricultural products grown or raised by the Vendor.

• Value-added items must be made primarily from ingredients produced by the Vendor.

• Resale of commercially produced baked goods, processed foods, or wholesale produce is prohibited.

Market Management reserves the right to verify production practices.


2. Approved Product List

• Vendors may only sell products approved in their application.

• Any additions must be approved in writing before sale.


3. Attendance

• Vendors must notify Market Management at least 24 hours in advance if absent.

• Vendors must arrive on time and remain until market closing unless sold out.

• Repeated unexcused absences may result in removal.


4. Setup & Safety

• Vendors must provide their own tents, tables, and equipment.

• Tents must be weighted (recommended minimum 40 lbs per leg).

• No staking into township grounds without permission.

• Electrical cords must be secured safely.


5. Cleanliness

• Vendors must keep booth space clean.

• All trash must be removed at the end of the day.

• Space must be left in its original condition.


6. Insurance

• Vendors must provide proof of $1,000,000 general liability insurance.

• Andover Township and Andover Community Farmers Market must be listed as Additional Insured.

• No vendor may set up without proof of insurance on file.


7. Compliance

Vendors must comply with:

• Ohio Cottage Food laws

• Temporary food licensing (if applicable)

• Proper labeling requirements

• Health Department regulations


8. Conduct

• Professional conduct is required.

• No aggressive selling.

• No political campaigning or unauthorized solicitation.

• No subleasing of booth space.


9. Enforcement

Violation of rules may result in:

• Verbal warning

• Written warning

• Suspension

• Removal without refund

Producer Requirement Initial Page

Producer Certification & Inventory Requirement

The Andover Community Farmers Market is a producer-based agricultural market.

By initialing below, Vendor certifies:

• I grow, raise, or harvest at least 50% of the agricultural products sold at my booth.

• Any value-added products I sell are made primarily from ingredients grown, raised, or harvested by me.

• I do not resell commercially manufactured baked goods, processed foods, or wholesale produce.

• I understand that misrepresentation may result in immediate removal from the Market.

Vendor Application

 

Click HERE to access the Vendors Application Form. 

Andover Village Vendors License

 

Andover Village requires all vendors to apply for a Vendors License. Go HERE to download a form. You will fill it out and present it to the Village of Andover, along with a check for $25.00.

At the end of the season the Andover Community Farmers Market will reimburse you the $25.00.

Our goal is that the farmers that participate in the Andover Community Farmers Market do so without incurring any cost. 

Welcome Vendors

Thank you for considering becoming a vendor at the Andover Community Farmers Market.

So what makes Andover special?

At first glance, we are a small village — just 2,300 residents through the winter — nestled along historic Route 6. But when summer arrives, everything changes. Our population swells to more than 23,000 as seasonal residents return and visitors pour into the region.

Tourism here is not just steady — it’s significant. Each year, more people visit Pymatuning Lake than the Statue of Liberty. That brings energy, opportunity, and customers.

Summer in Andover is alive with activity. The Flea Market draws crowds every weekend. Downtown features unique shops, antiques, and second-hand treasures. Anglers come from near and far for some of the best fishing in the region. And most recently, the new Rails-to-Trails path has added even more foot traffic and outdoor enthusiasts.

And now, we are proud to add one more reason for people to gather:

The Andover Community Farmers Market.

We invite you to be part of it.

Yes, it's true!

 

Summer in Northeast Ohio brings an incredible abundance of farm-grown food.

The Andover Community Farmers Market will feature regional growers offering:

Fresh fruits

Specialty vegetables

Farm eggs

Mushrooms

Honey

Pure maple syrup

And so much more!

Support our local farmers! 

Shop Small! Shop Local!

Join us Saturdays on the Square in Andover, this summer.

Follow this page for vendor announcements and updates.