Frequently Asked Questions

Customer questions

1. I’ve just moved to Nova Scotia. Are there any farmers’ markets in my community?

There are farmers’ markets all over Nova Scotia, selling fresh local produce, unique crafts and hand prepared foods. To locate your closest authentic farmers’ market please visit our farmers’ market directory.

2. How can I tell that I am shopping at an authentic farmers’ market?

At Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia, all of our member markets are certified farmers’ markets. To find a certified farmers’ market in your area, visit our farmers’ market directory.

What is a certified farmers’ market?

All of our FMNS members are Certified Farmers’ Markets. By joining FMNS, our markets have made a commitment to sell only the freshest, highest quality local products, bringing you the best of their communities. While complying with industry standards in food safety and raising the bar in economic sustainability and community engagement, Certified Farmers’ Markets maintain the tradition of bringing together producers and shoppers.

Certified Farmers’ Markets:

– Hold a Nova Scotia Public Market Permit
– Maintain up-to-date food safety training
– Have completed market manager training
– Have participated in board governance training
– Uphold the values of cooperation and collaboration
– Proudly adhere to a “Make it, Bake it, Grow it” policy

3. How can I be sure that the vegetables sold at my local farmers’ market are really local?

Certified farmers’ markets are the #1 location for local, fresh, seasonal produce. To find certified farmers’ markets in your area, visit our farmers’ market directory.

The wonderful thing about buying direct from the producer is that you can ask what is local and what isn’t to guarantee a truly local shopping basket!

4. I’m looking for Halal/Kosher/Organic/Gluten-free products. Can I find them at Nova Scotia farmers’ markets?

Yes you can! Contact your local farmers’ market for more information or ask vendors directly. The joy of shopping at farmers’ markets is being able to communicate directly with the people who produce your food.

5. I work on Saturdays; are any farmers’ markets open on other days of the week?

Absolutely! Many of our member markets are open on days other than Saturdays and some are open more than one day a week. To find out which farmers’ markets are closest to you and their days and hours of operation, please visit our farmers’ market directory.

6. Are all of the foods sold at farmers’ markets organic?

Not all of the food sold at farmers’ markets is certified organic, however a wide selection is. Farmers’ markets commonly have a wider selection of higher quality organic products than grocery stores. Please visit your local farmers’ market and ask vendors if their products are certified organic (they will have a certificate if they are).

Farmers’ Market questions

1. Can our farmers’ market join FMNS?

We welcome new members to our cooperative, requiring all members to meet our membership policy. Take a look at our Join our Coop page, and contact us.

2. What services does Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia offer to its members?

At FMNS, we work to support and create farmers’ markets that grow and thrive. We are committed to providing the best possible services to help markets better manage, develop and promote their market. For a summary of specific members benefits, please visit Join our Coop.

3. How much does it cost to join FMNS?

Membership dues are paid annually and are based on the number of vendors at your market and the length of your market season.

  • $1.25 per vendor, per week of operation for farmers’ markets with a season length of 26 or more weeks per year

  • $1.75 per vendor, per week of operation for farmers’ markets with a season length of less than 26 weeks per year

Please contact us for further information.

4. How can I start a farmers’ market in my community?

FMNS has vast experience helping communities in Nova Scotia to create and grow thriving farmers’ markets. Once your emerging market is a member, you and your vendors have full access to FMNS training, resources, support and services. We do offer consultancy services into the economic and community viability of farmers’ markets. Please contact us for more information.

Vendor questions

1. I am a vendor at a farmers’ market that isn’t a member of FMNS. Can our market join FMNS?

We welcome new members to our cooperative. Visit the Join Our Co-op page and get in touch. 

2. I am a local producer. How can I sell my products at a local farmers’ market?

To book a table, please contact your local farmers’ market directly. To find out about farmers’ markets in your area, their size, hours of operation, and contact information, visit our farmers’ market directory. Many farmers’ markets are fully booked at certain times of the year or may have an excess of some products. Contact your preferred market well in advance to avoid disappointment.

3. How much does it cost to have a table at my local farmers’ market?

Each farmers’ market has a different pricing system depending on the number of services they provide (such as wash stations, electrical outlets, and storage) and the number of customers they attract. Contact those farmers’ markets that interest you directly to ask about pricing. Click here to find a farmers’ market.

4. I am a farmer/artisan from another province. Can I sell my products at farmers’ markets in Nova Scotia?

Most Nova Scotia farmers’ markets have strict criteria about where vendors’ products come from. Exceptions may be made in the case of extremely unique products. For more information you should contact your local farmers’ market directly. Click here to find a farmers’ market.

Community questions

1. We’d like to have a tour of a farmers’ market. Who should we contact?

Farmers’ markets are open to everyone! Feel free to drop by during opening hours. In addition, if you want to learn more about the history and culture of your local farmers’ market, some of our member markets offer either free or paid tours at certain times of the year. Contact your local market for more information.

2. Can our organization hold an event/promote our activities at our local farmers’ market?

Most of our member markets have community tables that can be booked given sufficient advance notice. Please contact your local farmers’ market for more information.

3. How can I find events and activities at farmers’ markets?

Find your local farmers’ market online. From Facebook to Twitter to e-newsletters, many NS farmers’ markets have created multiple ways to keep in touch with you. Find your local farmers’ market, and their contact information, here.