What is a California Certified Farmers Market?

Certified Farmers Markets are locations certified by the Agricultural Commissioner of the county in which they are held where only California Certified Producers sell agricultural products directly to consumers. All of the farmers who sell at our market are certified as producers by the counties where they grow. Each county requires the submission of a production list complete with crop types, number of acres, location, estimated harvest and harvest season. From this information, a Producer’s Certificate is issued. The County Agricultural Inspector visits the farm during production to confirm that the farmer is growing what they claim to be. See our glossary of other market terms.

What about products like bread and prepared foods?

All products that are not produced on a farm or sold by a farmer are sold in a non-certified, adjunct portion of each market. These items include non-farmstead cheeses and preserves, breads, prepared foods, and some meats. Many of our artisans and purveyors buy ingredients from our farmers to create their products.

Are the shops inside the building part of the farmers market?

No. Inside the Ferry Building are private retail spaces, mostly dedicated to food. Learn more about the Ferry Building Marketplace.

What is the history of the market?

The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market began in September of 1992 as a one-time “Harvest Market,” with farmers and local restaurants gathering on a Sunday morning in the middle of the Embarcadero Roadway. Only three years earlier, a two-tiered freeway had run along this roadway, separating the city from its waterfront and the historic Ferry Building. Read More.

What services does CUESA offer at the market?

Information Booth

Come to the CUESA Information Booth on Tuesdays and Saturdays for answers to questions about where to find specific farmers or products, literature about sustainable agriculture and the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, and parking validation.

Veggie Valet

Veggie Valet is a free service that allows you to drop off your farmers' market purchases and either continue shopping or grab your car for curbside pickup. The Veggie Valet is open from 8 am to 1 pm every Saturday and is also available on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the Information Booth.

Farmers

Don't know what to do with that fingerling potato? How do you pick the perfect peach? Don't be afraid to ask your farmer questions...if you see something new and interesting you'd like to try but need advice on how to use it, farmers are almost always willing share tips on how to choose and cook what they sell.