Food Safety Program: Certified Farmers Markets

A Certified Farmers Market (CFM) is a location that is certified and permitted by the State of California County Agricultural Program and permitted by the local Environmental Health jurisdiction (SFDPH Food Safety Program).

Agriculture Program

The San Francisco Department of Public Health's Agriculture Program is the local enforcement agency for the state Certified Farmers Market Program. The Agriculture Program permits and regulates Certified Farmers Markets. For more information, click here.

Food Safety Program

The Consumer Protection Food Safety Program also permits and regulates Certified Farmers Markets. There are four separate permits issued by the Food Safety Program associated with Certified Farmers Markets.

1. Certified Farmers Market Permit (includes all certified farmers)
2. Retail Food Vendor Permit
3. Temporary Food Facility Permit
4. Mobile Food Facility Permit

Certified Farmers Market (CFM) Permit

Individuals or associations who apply for a health permit to operate a CFM shall be considered a Market Manager. The Market Manager shall be present and responsible for the operation of the CFM and shall ensure that all food vendors comply with State Health Codes. All Certified Farmers are permitted under the CFM permit.

Retail Food Vendor Permit

Any vendor who sells pre-packaged foods that are processed, packaged and labeled from an approved source at a CFM shall have an individual permit that is specific to the market that they are applying for. Permits are non transferable.

Temporary Food Facility Permit

Any vendor who sells foods prepared for consumption on site. For more information on temporary food facility permit requirements, click here.

Mobile Food Facility Permit

Any vendor who prepares food and operates from a Mobile Food Facility. For more information on mobile food facility permit requirements, click here.

Permitting Process

Refer to the Helpful Links for information on all application fees as well as structural and operational requirements. Send all application forms and documents to:

• Environmental Health Section
• Attn: Food Safety Program
• 1390 Market Street, Suite 210
• San Francisco, CA 94102

Certified Farmers Markets

The Food Safety Program will only accept applications for a permit to operate if prior application has been made and accepted by the Agriculture Program.

If applying for a permit to operate a CFM on City, State, or Port of San Francisco-owned property, complete and submit the following:

1. Written approval from applicable agency.
2. CFM Application Packet (pdf) - Includes an application for a Permit to Operate, a Fire Marshal Referral Form, a Labor Law Checklist for San Francisco Business Owners, a Declaration of Healthy and Safe Working Conditions, and a Workers' Compensation Declaration.
3. A nonrefundable application fee by check or money order made payable to the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
4. Proof of Business Registration with Certificate Number. Apply at the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector, City Hall - Room 140.

If applying for a permit to operate a CFM on private property, complete and submit the following:

1. Written approval from the private property owner/operator.
2. CFM Application Packet (pdf) - Includes an application for a Permit to Operate, a Fire Marshal Referral Form, a Labor Law Checklist for San Francisco Business Owners, a Declaration of Healthy and Safe Working Conditions, and a Workers' Compensation Declaration.
3. Health Permit Application Zoning Referral Form (pdf)
4. A nonrefundable application fee by check or money order made payable to the San Francisco Department of Public Health.
5. Proof of Business Registration with Certificate Number. Apply at the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector, City Hall - Room 140.

Retail Food Vendors

To obtain a permit from the Department of Public Health, complete and submit the following:

1. Food Vendor Application Packet (Includes an application for a Permit to Operate or Certificate of Sanitation and a Workers' Compensation Declaration.)
2. A copy of the permit of the licensed facility where foods are processed, packaged and labeled (i.e., State of California--Processed Food Registration or the local health permit).
3. Letter from Market Manager granting approval to operate at CFM.
4. A nonrefundable application fee in the form of a check or money order made payable to the San Francisco Department Public Health.
5. Proof of Business Registration with Certificate Number. Apply at the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector, City Hall - Room 140.