Farmers Markets are a great place to shop for fresh food, while supporting local small farmers, bakers and artisans.
The Parks & Recreation Department plans to host a farmers market on town-owned property, beginning in the spring of 2026. Town hosted or sponsored farmers markets are very popular, and a real boost to support the economic development of small farms. Parks & Recreation has been considering starting a farmers market for the last couple of years.
There are many State rules and regulations governing vendors at farmers markets, and even more if food trucks are involved. These rules and regulations dictate how food is to be prepared, kept safe, and sold. Depending on the type of product being sold, a variety of permits, licenses, and inspections from multiple state agencies, including RI DEM Agriculture, the Department of Health, and Department of Revenue and Taxation may apply. In addition to State licenses, Mobile Food Vendor Licenses from the Town of Coventry are required for food trucks.
The regulations can be tricky, with all but those selling uncut fruits and vegetables required to obtain State Health Department licenses, and in some cases multiple licenses. For example, there are at least a dozen types of food processor licenses, most all of which also require a Retail Food Peddler License to sell at a farmers market or an event. The Department of Health has a search tool to look up the current license holders: https://health.ri.gov/find/licensees/index.php. Farmers and food producers from Coventry can be found listed under Coventry or Greene. A list of many of the farmers markets across the State can be found at: https://www.farmfreshri.org/programs/farmers-markets/rimarketguide/
Staff is researching models currently operating across the state to determine the best way to host a safe, compliant, fun Town-sponsored farmers market. To help educate farmers and others interested in selling at the Town’s farmers market, one hosted by others, or selling directly from farm property, the Parks & Recreation Department and the Asst. Town Manager will be hosting a workshop for local farmers this fall. The workshop will feature speakers from State agencies and agriculture experts on State and local license requirements, and resources and advice on production and promotion.