Get REAL Vendor Certification
Heirloom Farmers Markets is a public service to support local agriculture and emphasizes the direct connection to building a sustainable regional farm economy. One of our initiatives is to help make your purchasing decisions easier by distinguishing who our Southern Arizona Farmers, Ranchers and Producers are at the markets.
To implement this, the Heirloom staff has visited many of the farms and ranches that are represented at our markets and we are amazed at the industrious, hard-working people who continue to do this significant work. We are very proud to offer this distinction and they are proud to display it. Simply look for a ruby red flag that hangs in each vendors’ booth with one of the three vendor classifications, or visit the Vendor pages on our website for the classification insignia. If you have questions about the produce, the meat, the cheese – take a look around and you will easily spot the flags and can talk with your local producer.
If you should have any concerns or questions about how we came to define our vendor classifications, please come by the market information tent. We are always happy to speak with you! Just one more way to get REAL at Heirloom Farmers Markets.
REAL VENDOR CLASSIFICATIONS
FARMER
Those actively involved and invested in the planting, growing, and harvesting of agricultural product on owned, rented, leased, or sharecropped land. This category includes poultry, dairy, and fish. 80% of market produce & product should be planted, grown and harvested by the farmer to be considered for this classification. The ‘Farmer’ classification also includes value-added products made from a majority of their own farms’ products.
RANCHER
Those actively involved and invested in a principle of ranch land that they control through ownership, lease, rental or other legal agreement. These products must be raised on range grasses and plants with a minimum of 200 days in pasture, prairie or grassland. All meat and dairy products must be labeled in accordance with USDA (US Department of Agriculture) and ADA (Arizona Department of Agriculture) requirements.
PRODUCER
Those who sell processed or value-added foods such as honey, pickles, condiments, cheese, soaps, and charcuterie. These vendors grow, raise, catch, and gather the ingredients featured in their products.
