COVID-19 Resources

CFMA 2021 Recommendations for Farmers Markets

The COVID-19 pandemic was challenging for many Colorado farmers markets during the 2020 market season, but it also helped us learn and prepare for 2021.

To help markets navigate this season, CFMA consulted with market managers and local public health agencies around the state and developed the following recommendations. Note that these are not regulations, rather they represent guidance to help markets work with their local public health staff to operate as safely and viably as possible.

Decisions on how to implement these recommendations are to be made at the local level. The recommendations are a living document and will be updated as needed during the season. Please email cofarmersmarketassociation@gmail.com with questions or comments!

Colorado Farmers Market Association 2021 Recommendations for Farmers Markets – COVID-19 (Revised June 29, 2021 to include a Level Clear section).

 

Other Resources

State of Colorado Public Health and Executive Orders: https://covid19.colorado.gov/public-health-executive-orders

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus

 

Best Practices

Keep surfaces clean! Remind vendors to clean and sanitize their supplies and equipment regularly.

For surfaces that will be in contact with food or food products (such as produce bins, coolers, boxes, tools), use detergents and sanitizing solutions that are food safe:

  1. Clean the surface with a detergent (for example, Dawn dish detergent) and rinse thoroughly.
  2. Use a sanitizer product that is approved for use on food contact surfaces, consult this list (https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/sites/producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/files/shared/documents/PSA-Labeled-Sanitizers-for-Produce.xlsx).
  3. Follow the label instructions for the sanitizer you use when mixing, applying and storing it. Some   sanitizers require contact time on the surface to be effective, and others require a rinse step.
  4. Allow the surface to air dry.

To clean and sanitize surfaces that will not come into contact with food or food products (such as chairs, tables, truck beds):

  1. Clean the surface with a detergent (for example, Dawn dish detergent) and rinse thoroughly.
  2. Use a product that the EPA has approved for use against viruses and other emerging pathogens:https://cfpub.epa.gov/wizards/disinfectants/.
  3. Follow the label instructions for the sanitizer you use when mixing, applying and storing it. Some sanitizers require contact time on the surface to be effective, and others require a rinse step.
  4. Allow the surface to air dry.

* Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and sanitizing surfaces

Have handwashing and restroom facilities available for customers and vendors. Learn how to build your own handwashing station here: https://cofarmersmarkets.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/DIY-handwashing-stations.pdf

 

————————————–

MARKETING

KEEP CONNECTED
Two monthly e-news chocked full of information and resources

FUNDING STAFF If you are wanting to fund a market manager, consider increasing your vendor fees or find community partners willing to sponsor, e.g. tourist association, local government,  or neighborhood associations.  If you have more time, the Federal Grant program – FMPP – might have been an option or getting an AmeriCorps volunteer into the role – both take planning and administrative capacity.