Become a Producer

 

BECOME A PRODUCER MEMBER

By working cooperatively, even the smallest farms enjoy access to a downtown market and opportunities to expand sales that they would not otherwise have. The Café and the owner member producers using the Commercial Kitchen buy directly from farms and value-added producers, which helps to preserve the harvest and add value to raw ingredients from excess and imperfect products that otherwise might go to waste.

Farmers deserve a fair price for the beautiful, delicious and healthy food they provide. At Philmont Cooperative, products are separated and identified by producer with each producer setting his or her own price. The business model relies on volunteers and community support to keep costs low, so 75-82% of each dollar goes back to the person who made or grew the food.

  • Producers join the co-op. All sellers are required to become a Member-Owner of the Philmont Cooperative. Cost is $100 or 10 hours of volunteer time. (See Producer Guidelines and the Producer Application)

  • Producers set up a display in the market. Producers work with management on the display or provide special display items or signs. Please note: displays are not permanent and may be moved throughout the market as needed.

  • Producers price their own products. Philmont Cooperative provides bar code labels to identify the price and seller or can use an existing UPC. Producers should consider the commission rates which will be deducted from each sale. We operate on a 3-tier commission system:

    • 25% for “highly perishable” products such as produce, baked goods, and milk.

    • 27% for "shelf stable" foods including frozen foods, eggs, dairy (not milk), jams, syrups, coffee, tea, grains, granolas, and pet treats and other consumable products like candles, cards, soaps, lotions, bath & body, and cleaning products.

    • 32% for "artisan" products such as pottery, jewelry, fiber arts, wood products, books, and baskets.
       

  • All products must comply with federal, state, and local health regulations, licensing, and labeling requirements.

  • Products must be made, grown, or value-added in New York and adhere to our guidelines. Additional rules may apply depending on type of product. Read the full Product Guidelines to see if your product fits.

  • Entry of new products is dependent on the needs of the market and is up to the discretion of the Philmont Cooperative. Producers wishing to sell, should confirm that their product is compliant with legal and market guidelines, then contact the Philmont Cooperative to set up a product review at info@philmontcooperative.com.

  • Philmont Cooperative pays producers twice per month. And offers and encourages the use of direct deposit for payments. Unsold products remain the property of the seller.

  • Other market rules/customs may apply depending on type of product. Read the Market Rules & Procedures and/or see Elizabeth Angello, for details.

Producer Applications

Producers interested in selling at Philmont Cooperative must complete and submit an Application with copies of all applicable licenses and certifications to be kept on file at the market.

Notes on Legal Compliance for Producers

In New York, only the following products may be sold without special licensing:

  • fresh unprocessed fruits or vegetables

  • maple syrup, sorghum, or honey [properly labeled]

  • properly labeled products of a cottage food production operation

All other products require additional licensing.

Producers are expected to inform themselves on issues governing the production, display, distribution, sampling and sale of their products. Anyone wishing to sell through Philmont Cooperative should research the rules and regulations regarding the products they are wishing to sell prior to applying as a producer member. Here are some resources to get you started: