Alabama Administrative Code Title 470 - ALABAMA IMPAIRED DRIVERS TRUST FUND ADVISORY BOARD
Title 350 of the Alabama Administrative Code is dedicated to the Alabama Farmers Market Authority (AFMA). The AFMA is a state agency established to promote the marketing of Alabama-grown agricultural products. Its primary purpose is to:
Facilitate direct sales between local farmers and consumers.
Provide leadership and information to support the agricultural marketing system.
Encourage the establishment and operation of modern facilities (i.e., farmers markets) for the sale of agricultural products.
Assure consumers access to quality, locally produced goods at fair prices, while ensuring a fair return for producers.
Given this mission, the regulations under Title 350 primarily focus on the certification and operational standards for farmers markets within the state, rather than broad regulations for all agricultural activities (which fall under the Department of Agriculture and Industries, Title 80).
Here's a breakdown of the key areas typically covered by Title 350:
Chapter 350-X-1 - CERTIFICATION OF STATE FARMERS MARKETS: This is the core chapter and outlines the requirements and procedures for a farmers market to become an "Alabama Certified Farmers Market." This certification is crucial for markets and producers, as it often ties into eligibility for certain programs (like the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program) and consumer confidence.
Within this chapter, you would find detailed rules on:
Purpose and Definitions:
Defining "Alabama Certified Farmers Market," "Certified Producer," "Market Manager," "Market Rules," etc.
Stating the overall purpose of the Certified Farmers Market Program.
Producer Certification Procedures: How individual farmers (producers) get certified, including verifying that they actually grow or produce the agricultural products they intend to sell. This often involves verification by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
Certification Requirements of a Certified Farmers Market:
Criteria a market must meet to be certified by the AFMA (e.g., must be a place used by two or more Certified Producers for direct sales).
Rules on the percentage of products that must be grown/produced by the vendor themselves (often at least 80%, with specifics on the remaining 20% if sourced locally from other producers).
Requirements for a grower or grower representative to be present during market hours.
Guidelines on what types of products can be sold (fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, flowers, plants, etc.).
Limitations on non-food vendors (e.g., arts and crafts not exceeding a certain percentage of total vendors, and often requiring prior approval).
Prohibitions on certain sales (e.g., live animals, alcoholic beverages).
Market Rules Requirements: Certified Farmers Markets are required to have their own clear, organized set of rules that cover:
Market governance and manager responsibilities.
General operations (hours, parking, health and safety).
Rules enforcement procedures (penalties, grievance procedures).
Vendor approval, product guidelines, use of equipment, display, scales.
Vendor fees and space assignment.
Required documents and licenses (e.g., grower's permits, business licenses, proof of insurance).
Guidelines for sampling and food safety, often incorporating state and local health department requirements for food handling, preparation, and labeling (especially for "value-added" or home-processed foods, which have specific labeling requirements if prepared in uninspected kitchens).
Rules for meat products (must be from inspected facilities, properly wrapped and labeled).
Standards of vendor behavior.
Issuance of Certificates: Procedures for the AFMA to issue certificates to both certified producers and certified farmers markets.
Fee Schedule: Any fees associated with certification or other services provided by the AFMA.
Compliance Requirements: Obligations for market operators to ensure their vendors comply with all rules.
Applicability of Rules to Farmers Market Nutrition Programs: How these rules interact with federal and state nutrition programs (like SFMNP).
Penalties: Consequences for violating the AFMA's rules or a certified market's rules.
Appeals: Procedures for appealing decisions made by the AFMA.
In essence, Title 350 empowers the Alabama Farmers Market Authority to create a standardized and trustworthy environment for direct-to-consumer sales of Alabama agricultural products. By establishing clear criteria for "Certified Farmers Markets" and "Certified Producers," these rules aim to build consumer confidence in the quality and origin of the products, while also providing a structured framework for farmers and market operators.
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