Baskets of tomato varieties.

Farmers Markets provide an opportunity for vendors to sell approved food products directly to consumers. Depending on the type of food being sold, vendors may need a registration, food license, temporary event license, or may qualify for an exemption.  

Farmers Market Basics:

“Farmers market” means a farm premises, a food stand owned and operated by a farmer, or an organized market authorized by the appropriate municipal or county authority under 7-21-3301 MCA.

Common foods allowed without a retail food license:

  • Fresh whole fruits and vegetables
  • Certain baked goods approved under Cottage Food rules
  • Jams and jellies approved under Cottage Food rules
  • Raw agricultural products
  • Commercially packaged non-Time/Temperature Control for Safety (non-TCS) foods.
Are you experiencing illness you believe may be linked to consuming food at a local farmer’s market?

Learn what’s required at Farmers Markets:

  1. Determine if your food products qualify. 
    Review the farmers' market and cottage food requirements to determine whether the foods you plan to sell are allowed without a retail food license.  
  2. Create labels for each product. 
    Each food product must have its own label that meets applicable labeling requirements. 
  3. Complete the farmers' market application. 
    Fill out the application completely and include labels for each product you intend to sell.  
  4. Submit your application to Gallatin City-County Health Department. 
    Email the completed application and product labels to ehs@gallatin.mt.gov.  
  5. Wait for approval before selling. 
    Do not begin selling food products until your application has been reviewed and approved by the Gallatin City-County Health Department.  

Please note: There is no fee for the farmers' market registration application. 

Montana Statute for Retail Food, Temporary Event Permitting and Cottage Foods – MCA 5050-101-403

Farmers Market Frequently Asked Questions:

No. There is currently no fee for the farmers market registration application.  

A farmers market means a farm premises, a food stand owned and operated by a farmer, or an organized market authorized by the appropriate municipal or county authority.  

Food sold at a farmers' market must generally be: 

  • Non-potentially hazardous foods;  
  • Specifically exempted by law;  
  • Produced under the Montana Local Food Choice Act (MLFCA); or  
  • Prepared in a licensed food establishment when required.  

If you are selling eggs from your own flock directly to consumers from your farm, home, or at a farmers’ market, a food license is generally not required. 

If you wish to sell eggs to grocery stores, restaurants, cafés, or other retail establishments, you may need an Egg Grading License through the Montana Department of Livestock. 

If you sell more than 25 cases of eggs per month purchased from a shell egg producer, you may need an Egg Dealer License. For additional information, contact the Montana Department of Livestock at 406-444-5202.  

Honey produced and sold by the producer may be exempt from food licensing requirements depending on how it is processed and sold. Contact our office if you have questions regarding your specific operation.  

ehs@gallatin.mt.gov

406-582-3120

Yes. Whole, uncut fruits and vegetables may generally be sold without a food license. Additional requirements may apply if produce is cut, processed, packaged, or otherwise modified before sale.  

Some baked goods may qualify for exemptions while others require licensing. Requirements depend on the ingredients used, how the food is prepared, and how it is offered for sale. Contact our office if you are unsure whether a license is required.  

ehs@gallatin.mt.gov

406-582-3120

Licensing requirements vary depending on the food product, processing method, and manner of sale. Contact our office before beginning sales if you are unsure whether your operation requires a food license, registration, or exemption.  

ehs@gallatin.mt.gov

406-582-3120

Yes, vendors may offer samples at farmers’ markets. Samples must be handled safely and protected from contamination at all times. 

A temporary handwashing setup is required when offering samples. Food preparation and cooking may not occur onsite under farmers’ market registration requirements. However, foods may be cut or sliced onsite when the appropriate setup and food safety practices are in place. 

Depending on the type of food being sampled and how it is handled, a temporary event license or retail food license may still be required. Please contact Gallatin City-County Health Department if you are unsure whether additional licensing applies to your operation. 

A temporary event license may be required when food is prepared, cooked, served, or sampled at a temporary event or market. Examples may include: 

  • Food booths;  
  • Temporary food stands;  
  • Cooking or assembling food onsite; or  
  • Serving open foods or beverages to the public.  
  • Licensing requirements vary depending on the operation and food served. 

Contact the Gallatin City-County Health Department if you are unsure whether a temporary event license is required.  

ehs@gallatin.mt.gov

406-582-3120

The Gallatin City-County Health Department may investigate complaints involving food safety, sanitation, foodborne illness, improper food handling, and other matters within our regulatory authority. 

Looking for a different license?

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Retail Food

Wholesale Food

Cottage Food License

Farmers Markets

Temporary Food Events

Public Pools and Spas

Public Sleeping Accommodations

Bed and Breakfasts

*Coming Soon!*

Trailer Courts, Campgrounds, Work Camps, and Youth Camps

Body Art

Child Care Facilities

Questions?

If you have questions regarding a farmer’s market vendor license, please contact the Gallatin City-County Health Department Environmental Health Division. 

Please note: Approval by the Gallatin City-County Health Department does not constitute approval under all other applicable federal, state, local, zoning, building, fire, business licensing, or land use requirements. Operators are responsible for obtaining all other required approvals and permits. 

Contact Us:

Call: 406-582-3120
Email: ehs@gallatin.mt.gov

Temporary Office Location:

400 E. Babcock Street, Bozeman