Farmers (Meat/Eggs/Dairy), Commercial Kitchen and Food Prepared Onsite Vendor State Requirements
Vendors who DO NOT qualify as Cottage Food Producers

Commercial Kitchen and Farmers with (Meat/Eggs/Dairy) application process:

1. Register at the top right to gain access to our secure online application process. Once your access is approved, you will be able to log in and be taken to our Application Portal.
2. Every couple of months, the Vendor Committee and TFM staff meet to review all New Applications as part of our multiple-step application process.
3. Each applicant is thoroughly vetted to ensure they meet TFM and local, state and federal requirements to operate legally in Texas. 
4. 1. Farmers must be compliant with Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Department of Health Services, and the USDA (meat and dairy farmers) and any other regulatory agencies.
   2. If invited to the 2nd phase of our multi-step application process EVERY New Farmer must complete an onsite farm site visit with their assigned Vendor Committee Leader.​
      1. Every 2 years thereafter a follow-up farm visit will be conducted to ensure farmers are growing what they are bringing to the market weekly. 
      2. Any sites utilized for production & storage must be made available for their site visit.

​
BUSINESSES AT MINIMUM WHO NEED The Temporary Retail Food Establishment Multi-Event Permit:

1. PDF Link Permit Application: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/foodestablishments/Applications/Temporary/EF23-12970RetailTempMulitpleEvents_2024.pdf 

• Cottage Food Businesses that make over $150,000 a year. (Must make in commercial kitchen)
• Businesses making their products in a commercial kitchen, including cottage food production.
• Businesses that prepare foods that are not shelf stable and/or need to meet temperature control guidelines for food safety.
• Drinks
• Businesses preparing food on-site at a market
• Farmers/Ranchers who are selling eggs, dairy or meat/poultry/fish.​

​Farmers who sell whole, uncut produce, local honey, or packaged non-perishable foods do not need a permit.

Any vendor preparing food in a commercial kitchen must upload their Texas Health Department Food Establishment Permit or Shared Kitchen Food Establishment Permit, and their Commercial Kitchen Contract. 

Links for Commercial Food Vendor Information: 

• TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES STATUTES for Food Vendors at Farmers Markets: LINK HERE​
• Texas Health and Human Services Rules on Labeling LINK HERE
• FDA Rules on Labeling  Download Here
• Temporary Retail Food Establishment, Multi Event Permit Application: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/foodestablishments/Applications/Temporary/EF23-12970RetailTempMulitpleEvents_2024.pdf 

As a private farmers' market nonprofit organization, TFM maintains independent discretion regarding vendor participation, approved products, product categories, operational limitations, and administrative review procedures applicable across all vendor categories. TFM’s procedures are intended to ensure the organization can reasonably document, identify, track, verify, monitor, and administer approved products offered within the market under TFM’s current operational procedures, organizational standards, available administrative resources, and applicable insurance and liability considerations.

**© Tomball Farmers Market. Website content is provided for general informational purposes only.
Requirements to operate a business in Texas and Harris County vary by product type, preparation method, and regulatory jurisdiction. Vendors are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required permits, licenses, inspections, and approvals from applicable local, state, and federal agencies.
Information provided by Tomball Farmers Market does not constitute legal or regulatory approval to operate and is subject to change based on agency guidance and law. Vendors should always verify current requirements directly with the appropriate regulatory authorities.**