In partnership with the Historic Faubourg Treme Association, Institute of Community Development, the New Orleans Police Justice Foundation, North Rampart Community Center, North Rampart Main Street, Inc., and Treme Bridge Marketplace, Covenant House New Orleans (CHNO) is pleased to announce the launch of the Covenant Farms Marketplace at Armstrong Park. Covenant Farms, a new social enterprise program for community youth focusing on agriculture and urban farming, will be selling its own fruits and vegetables at the first-ever Marketplace at Armstrong Park this Friday, July 9th. Approximately 10 vendors will be selling prepared meals, seafood, soaps and more.

Covenant Farms is working with local professionals within the food and urban farming industry to create a start-to-finish program in which the kids will clear land, plant produce, tend to and harvest product, learn cooking processes for food, in addition to marketing and selling the product. The youth are also building all of the boxes the food is planted in, the fencing and other necessities for the gardens—most of which is being done with donated or recycled and reused materials.

Vendors, please click here for online application.

Where: Corner of Rampart St. and Basin St.

When: Every Friday from 3 – 6 p.m.

The Market Place At Armstrong Park
Rules & Regulations
 

Hours:
Friday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
(excluding Holiday)

Location:
Corner of Armstrong Park on St. Peters & N. Rampart Street
(Beside Covenant House New Orleans)
New Orleans, LA 70112

Mail:
611 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70112
Ph: (504) 584-1118
Fax: (504) 584-1171

Contact:
dcallahan@covenanthouse.org
www.covenanthouseNO.org

I. ADMISSIBLE VENDORS & PRODUCTS
Admissible vendors and products fall in the following categories:

1. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS (Farmers, Fishermen) –
a. Certifiable agricultural products – These are fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts in the shell, honey, eggs, nursery stock, and cut flowers, which have been produced or grown on property controlled by the producer. Product certification is made by the county Agricultural Commissioner in the county of production. Certifiable agricultural products can only be sold at the Market by the producer who produced them, the producer’s employees, or the producer’s immediate family.

b. Non-Certifiable Agricultural Products – These include dried fruits and vegetables, processed nuts, juices, jams, pickled or smoked agricultural products. These products may be dried, ground, roasted, and juiced, smoked or otherwise altered in a one-stage process by a second party. Canned foods are permitted if processed in an approved facility. Products in this category must have been grown, bred, raised, cultivated or collected upon land, which the producer controls.

2. PREPARED FOODS PRODUCERS (non-agricultural products) – may sell products, which they have cooked, canned, preserved or otherwise treated. Canned foods are permitted if processed in an approved facility. These products may not compete with products made by farmers from their own products.

3. COMMERCIAL SELLERS (non-agricultural products) – may sell ethnic or specialty hot foods, which they prepare in a licensed kitchen and/or at their Market space. Commercial sellers may also include anyone selling fresh or canned fish where they have not caught the fish.

4. ARTS & CRAFTS VENDORS (non-agricultural products) –
a. Artisans - may sell original art, craftwork or handmade items, which they created, constructed and produced themselves. Products must be of the highest quality, handcrafted, and may not be imported.

5. NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS & COMMUNITY INFORMATION GROUPS – may distribute
literature promoting their organization and solicit signatures, volunteers, and donations.

II. VENDORS & PRODUCT ADMISSION

1. APPLICATION - Every prospective seller must complete an application to sell, which is available at www.covenanthouseno.org, faxed, or will be at the registration stall on the day of the market. Once application is received, payment can be made either online, dropped off at 611 N. Rampart St. New Orleans, LA 70112, or Pay the day of the market. However, if you pay the day of the market there will be an additional fee of $5.00. All items intended for sale shall be listed on the application and only those items approved for sale will be allowed to be sold. The application must be submitted to and approved by the Market Manager prior to the seller being able to sell at the Market.

The completed application packet shall include:
a. The signed Market rules
b. The completed application
c. Copies of all appropriate certificates and permits
d. The Market Manager may request product samples in order to evaluate quality.

2. ADMISSION - Vendors and products admission to the market will be at the discretion of the Market Manager. In his/her decision, the Market Manager will take into account:

a. All Vendors are REQUIRED to have an Occupational License.

b. Vendor’s positive or negative history of the compliance with state, local government and Market Rules & Regulations.

c. Vendor’s history of market participation. When practical, significant weight, priority, and preference should be given to vendors returning from previous seasons.

d. The market commodity mix and consumer demand as determined by the market manager.

e. The competitive availability and number of sellers of producer’s product present within the Market. If practical, monopolies and surfeits (gluts) should be avoided.

f. The prices, quality and freshness of the products offered to the public by the seller.

g. The number of unreserved spaces and other limitations of the Market.

h. In the case of artists, artisans and local businesses, priority will be given to those vendors whose primary place of business is located in the Greater New Orleans area.

Only vendors who have produced all requested documents and have been approved by the Market may sell at the Market. They are referred to as “approved Sellers”. All products must be individually approved by the Market Manager to be allowed for sale at the market.

3. CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP - Change of business ownership requires submission of a new application to the Market Manager, which will be processed as a new admission. The transfer or change of ownership does not grant or guarantee the new owner the same admission or current stall space assignment as the previous owner.

III. FEES & PARKING

FEES - Stall fees are as follows:
1. A $10.00 Promotional registration fee for earlier registration.
2. Deadline for early registration is on Wednesday of the Market Week.
3. If Stall fees are not received the Wednesday prior to the market day, than an additional fee of $5.00 will be applied. If the Market is postponed due to the weather, your reservation will be rescheduled for the following Market Date.
PARKING:
All Vendors are allowed to park and unload during setup time only but, ALL Vendors are required to move vehicle to another location for parking during the Market Hours. Parking is available (contingent upon special event) at the Mahalia Jackson Theatre/Municipal Auditorium parking lot. We will provide a Parking Pass on the day of the event.

V. RESERVATIONS & CANCELLATIONS

RESERVATIONS - advance stall space reservation is required and must be made by the Producer directly to Market Management, however if there are empty stalls on Market day than it will be a first come first serve bases.
CANCELLATIONS - should be made at least one week in advance in consideration of the Market’s desire to present a filled marketplace for shoppers. Producers who cannot attend the Market due to unusual circumstances such as truck breakdown on route to Market must contact Market Management within 24 hours after Market day to confirm a selling space for the following week. Vendors who fail to show up at the market repeatedly and/or without notice or follow up, and regardless of the reason may forfeit their right to sell at the Market without notice.

VI. STALL ASSIGNMENT & SET UP

STALL ASSIGNMENT - The seller’s location, space size and other considerations are at the Market Manager’s discretion, based on the seller’s customer relationships, the product mix, customer flow, promotion, security and other considerations. All space is provided as a privilege; no vendor shall be able to sell his/her market space to another vendor or to another individual/entity to which they transfer their business. Final decision for space assignment and location rests with the Market Manager. Every effort is made to assign space locations to Market participants. This ensures continuity, which is beneficial to the participant and to the overall operation of the Market. However, occasionally changes must be made in location, which are unavoidable. Such decisions are made at the Manager's discretion for the benefit of overall Market operations and may consist of the following criteria:

• to alleviate chronic overcrowding,
• to make better use of the space available,
• to clear the area around fire hydrants, and
• to fill empty spaces.

STALL SET UP - Sellers are permitted one hour for set-up and one hour for breakdown. If the seller has not arrived 30 minutes before Market, the Manager may release reserved space to another. Sellers arriving late for set up may forfeit their right to sell at the Market that day.

STALL APPEARANCE & PRODUCT DISPLAY - Sellers must provide their own tables and canopies. Umbrellas and peaked canopies are encouraged. Tarps are NOT allowed.
Stalls and product display must enhance the customer’s experience and perception of the seller and Market. Stands shall be set up in a neat and professional manner. In an effort to increase sales, the manager may suggest alternative displays to improve individual and overall appearance. Seller will ensure no spoiled product is on display and that shade is provided for all perishable products.

VII. PERMITS, LICENSES & DOCUMENTATION
All sellers must comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, ordinances and regulations and obtain all necessary permits. All certified and non-certified agricultural products sales shall be in conformity with the current State Direct Marketing Regulations for Certified Producers (Louisiana Code of Regulations) ALL sellers must also carry liability and motor vehicle insurance.

CERTIFIED PRODUCERS (fresh fruits & vegetables, eggs, honey, nuts in the shell, nursery stock& cut flowers) A completed application. The Hold Harmless page (last page of these rules) signed by the Producer. A current Certified Producer's Certificate listing those commodities (certifiable & non-certifiable) the Producer is offering for sale. Please mark on the certificate those products, which you will bring to the market and the months during which you will sell them, if they are different from the harvest months.

Non-Certifiable Agricultural Products / One-Stage Processed (products resulting from a one-stage
process of a certified product such as jam, juice, dried fruits…): the Certified Producer's Certificate must list the certified product used to produce the non-certified product. For example, jam producers must have a Certified Producer's Certificate listing the fruits used for jams. Health permits must also be provided.

SEAFOOD VENDORS:
Are REQUIRED to have and display a current Commercial Fisherman License.

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS & COMMUNITY INFORMATION GROUPS
A completed application.
Proof of nonprofit status.
The Hold Harmless page (last page of these rules) signed by the Vendor.

LOCAL BUSINESSES
A completed application.
The Hold Harmless page (last page of these rules) signed by the Vendor.
VIII. POSTINGS

PERMITS & LICENSES - All required permits, licenses and documentation, with the exception of the signed Market Rules shall be conspicuously posted at each stand in plain view of the public and enforcement personnel during Market hours. A copy of all documentation shall be made available to and kept on file with the Market Management.

PRODUCER’S NAME– Producers are strongly encouraged to display a sign
identifying their business name and city or town of production. Prepared and hot food vendors are
required to display their address and contact information.

PRODUCT INFORMATION & CLAIMS - Sellers shall only display or advertise items that have been approved for sale.

Prices - Prices shall be clearly noted for the benefit of the consumers. Prices should, whenever
possible, be below retail prices. Collusion or any pressure among sellers to alter prices is strictly
forbidden, based on federal anti-trust law.

In order to avoid unfair competition, backyard farmers that sell their product as a supplemental
income or hobby, shall not price their goods below a reasonable and fair market price.

Product Variety - Sellers are strongly encouraged to display signs identifying their products’ name and variety. Notes about the product taste and uses are also encouraged as they help sales.

PACKAGED PRODUCTS – Packaged products must be labeled with the producer name, address, product name, ingredients and weight.

IX. PRODUCT QUALITY
STANDARDS - All products will be expected to be of the highest quality, of taste, freshness, or
craftsmanship. Sellers of low quality products are subject to forfeiting their right to sell at the Market.
MINIMUM GRADE - All food items must meet USDA minimum grade requirements.
PRODUCT INSPECTIONS - All commodities and products shall be subject to inspection at any time by the Health Inspectors (Federal, State, or Local) and/or the Market Management.
CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS - Customers who have a legitimate complaint about the Market should be reported to the Market Manager, which will follow proper procedures.

X. HEALTH & SAFETY
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS - This Market is conducted in accordance with the local, state and federal laws and ordinances. Sellers should be familiar and in compliance with all health and safety guidelines. Seller must comply immediately with Manager’s safety instructions. Sellers and products must comply with the Louisiana health code and federal standards.

STALL’S IMPLEMENTS - Producer vehicles, tables, and overhead shades must be maintained and used in a safe manner. Legs must be firmly locked into place on the shades. Tables must have smooth edges and remain stable when loaded with produce. Shades must be tied down or weighted. Canopy poles must not obstruct traffic flow and care must be taken when setting up or taking down displays. By determination of Market Management, removal of canopies may be required at any time during Market hours due to windy conditions. Canopy removal shall take precedence over sales activities. Frame assemblies may remain in place as long as they are securely' tied down.
All Producers must comply with the following safety rules:
• No display tables filled over carrying capacity.
• Product arrangements are stable and not ready to fall.
• Legs of tables are secure and not caving in.
• All connecting rods of the shade set-ups are secure in their fittings.
• Canopy assemblies are tied or weighted down.

CLEAN SELLING SPACE – Sellers are required to maintain their individual selling space in a clean, safe and sanitary manner. Hot food vendors must use tarps to protect the ground from stains. Vendors must clean and sweep their selling space prior to leaving the site. Failure to do so may result in market violations. Sellers are responsible for bagging and disposing of their own trash (produce waste, overripe or leftover produce and boxes) at the close of Market day. Sellers may NOT use the trash receptacles intended for customer use to dispose of their own trash (not including papers and wrappings from breakfast, lunch or items purchased while at the Market). Sellers who violate the above may be required to pay a disposal/cleaning fee of up to $100 per
occurrence.
FOOD SAFETY
1. All food products must be kept a minimum of 6” off the ground.
2. Food preparation (except trimming) within the Market is prohibited.
3. Processed foods must be processed in an approved facility, and packaged and labeled under.
4. Sanitary conditions and the seller must display their Health Department permit.
PRODUCT SAMPLING
Procedures for the cutting of produce have been established by the Health Department and must be followed to ensure that sanitation standards are maintained. In order to offer cut samples you must have a complete sampling set up and follow sampling procedures as follows:
Sampling Set-up:
• Smooth, non-absorbent cutting board
• A knife used exclusively for sampling
• 1% chlorine solution for sanitizing the cutting knife and other utensils
• Liquid hand sanitizer dispenser
• Single use (paper) towels
• Cover for cut samples
• Toothpicks or skewers for handing out samples

Sampling Procedures:
All produce must be washed before cutting. Samples must be cut out of reach of customers. Samples must be kept in clean, covered containers approved by the Health Department such as clear plastic with hinged lids or clear dome covers. Samples must be served to customers on a toothpick or skewer. Plates full of cut samples may not be left out for customers to serve themselves. A covered trashcan must be available for discarded sample skins & toothpicks. Hands must be washed prior to cutting samples. Plastic gloves may be worn but they do not replace hand-washing requirements. Bucket containing wash water must be disposed of in a public sewer system or taken home for disposal. Anyone who is not following the sampling guidelines must immediately stop sampling and get into compliance with the proper procedures. A second violation of sampling procedures will result in suspension of sampling privileges for up to three months.
SMOKING - is not permitted in produce display, in immediate sales area during Market hours.

XI. STANDARD OF CONDUCT
Common courtesy in dealing with customers and other sellers is essential to creating and sustaining loyal customers for all sellers and ultimately developing a successful Market.
Sellers are expected to be honest and to conduct themselves in a courteous and friendly manner.
Everyone is expected to treat other sellers, staff, customers and officials with respect. The farmers are asked to assist the Manager in all possible ways to maintain the quiet and friendly atmosphere of the Market. Rude, abusive, offensive or other disruptive behavior is not permitted. Anyone who is discourteous, belligerent or whose conduct is materially and seriously prejudicial to the reputation or operation of the Market will be asked to leave the Market by the Market Manager or Security. Sellers experiencing any difficulty with customers or other sellers in this regard should refer the matter promptly to the Market Manager. Harmful remarks about sellers or the Market are subject to legal liability. No individual shall be subject to harassment, including on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or origin. No materials, which are blatantly offensive, either racially, ethnically or sexually, shall be allowed for sale. Sellers are expected to dress in an appropriate manner, including shirts and shoes or sandals.

XII. ARTS & CRAFTS VENDORS
Artists and artisans in this category are those who have created, painted, sewn, constructed, or otherwise fashioned from component materials the items they sell. The component materials must be sufficiently modified from their original state to demonstrate fine craftsmanship.

XIII. VIOLATIONS & PENALTIES
NON-COMPLIANCE - The Market Manager and any other agent assigned to do so, has the right to issue warnings and take appropriate action against Vendors who violate the Market’s rules and all other applicable regulations and laws. Penalties for violating the rules set forth herein may include fines, suspension of selling privilege or loss of space. Verbal warnings will be followed with a written warning for any violation prior to a fine or Market suspension.
Written notices of violations of Market rules will be issued following schedule of penalties, unless
otherwise stated in these rules:

• 1st violation: Warning
• 2nd violation: Suspension for 1 Market day
• 3rd violation: Suspension for 3 months.
• Subsequent violations will be penalized by Management decision, up to permanent expulsion.

In the case of unreasonable or outrageous conduct considered detrimental to Market safety or
welfare, the Manager has the authority to impose an immediate fine and/or suspension. Certified
Producers caught reselling will be permanently suspended upon the first violation.
CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS – The Market has a written complaint form to be filled out by any customer wishing to file a complaint regarding his or her treatment by any farmer. Only very serious complaints are put on a complaint form; most misunderstandings can be resolved without filing a formal complaint. Once a written complaint is submitted, Market Management will verify it. The same penalty schedule as for Market violations will apply.

XV. MISCELLANEOUS
1. EVENTS & ACTIVITIES - Regular events and activities will take place at the Market in order to
increase community spirit, publicize the Market, and support its usual business.
2. SUGGESTIONS - Suggestions, requests and comments from farmers, volunteers and shoppers are needed to make the Market a success. These suggestions can be made to the Manager in person or left in the suggestion box at the Market information table. Suggestions to improve the Market and promote its growth are very much appreciated by the Manager.
3. NO FIRE ARMS
4. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
5. NO DRUGS

XVI. MODIFICATIONS:
The Market Place at Armstrong Park committee reserves the right to revise The Market Place at Armstrong Park Rules & Regulations at anytime deemed appropriate.