Safe Montana Farmers’ Markets Management During CoVid-19 Pandemic

Keep Montana Farmers' Markets Safe This Season

It is essential that Montanans band together to support a strong local food economy and the safety of our frontline food system workers, customers, and vulnerable Montanans at this time. As farmers’ markets open and plan to open, AERO wants to provide vendors and customers with the best information available to keep us safe and to ensure access to local food.

Check out the resources below to support our farmers’ markets as they work to design markets with physical distancing, additional opportunities for sanitization, and communicate with vendors and customers alike to encourage compliance with recommendations.

Covid-19 Farmers Market Response & Best Practices

In response to farmers markets essential classification granted by Governor Bullock, NCAT, CFAC, AERO, and the Montana Department of Agriculture have released a comprehensive document outlining Covid-19 Farmers Market Response and Best Practices.

The list of recommendations for the Montana Farmers Market Network includes:

Market Best Practices
Social Distancing Requirements
Market Setup
Alternative Marketing Methods
Vendor Food Safety

Farmers Market Response & Best Practices

NCAT's Vendor Safety Checklist

Recommendations to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in Farmers' Markets May 1, 2020

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services published guidance base on the most recent information from our state and federal public health partners to outline requirements and key criteria for operation. The key messages are: 1) prevent food and touch contamination (sanitize), 2) physically distance, and 3) communicate.

DPHHS Guidance

Plans for a Safe Handwashing Station for Farmers' Markets

Hand washing is an important part of decreasing the spread of CoVid-19 at farmers’ markets. In this fact sheet, the Minnesota Farmers Market Association describes plans for a simple hand wash station that should cost under $20.

Fact Sheet