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THIRD-PARTY CERTIFICATION

Green City Market is dedicated to lifting up growers and food producers that are committed to environmental stewardship and the responsible treatment of animals. 

We’re proud to be the first farmers' market in the country to require all of its vendors to be certified by a nationally-recognized third party agency. This gives our community the confidence that every single product sold at Green City Market is sustainably- and ethically-produced and of the highest quality. 

In order to become a GCM vendor, your farm or business must be certified by at least one of the following organizations: American Grassfed Association,(opens in a new window), Animal Welfare Approved,(opens in a new window) Bloom Check,(opens in a new window) Certified Grass-Fed Organic Dairy,(opens in a new window) Certified Naturally Grown(opens in a new window), Certified Humane Raised & Handled(opens in a new window), Demeter(opens in a new window), Grain Millers Certified(opens in a new window), Food Alliance Certified(opens in a new window), Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program(opens in a new window), or USDA Certified Organic(opens in a new window). All interested vendors must present current documentation of one of these third-party certifications at the time of application. 

Locally Produced

Green City Market is a “producer only” market — we do not permit vendors reselling goods produced by third parties. 

In keeping with our sustainability requirements, Green City Market only permits vendors to sell goods grown or produced in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, or Indiana. Vendors selling prepared goods must source the majority of their ingredients from these local states and from other GCM farmers and vendors. 

Green City Market is predominantly a food market — we generally do not admit vendors selling crafts (like soaps, candles, art, etc.). We do permit vendors whose main goods are food products to sell some non-food items so long as they are produced from agricultural byproducts (a vendor selling honey may also sell beeswax wrap or beeswax candles). 

RULES + REGULATIONS

When you apply to become a vendor with Green City Market, you agree to abide by our rules and regulations should your business be accepted, including market attendance requirements, regulation of ingredients or products sold at the market, required insurance documentation, and more.

Before applying, review our 2021-22 Rules + Regulations — see page 6 for a list of required documentation to apply. 

We also recommend prospective vendors review the Illinois Department of Health's food processing flowchart and the Illinois Cottage Food Guide to verify your procedures are in compliance with state law.