Alabama Extension reminds interested producers that they can obtain a growers permit that allows them to sell directly to consumers without paying licensing fees or sales tax for raw agricultural commodities that they raise.
This allows farmers to market their products anywhere in Alabama and reduces barriers to the availability of fresh and nutritious Alabama products.
The agricultural commodities include fresh fruits, vegetables and eggs. It also covers the sale of vegetable transplants and ornamentals if the producer has raised the plants for more than two weeks.
To take advantage of this market expansion tool, growers need to do the following steps:
Step 1. Obtain a growers permit at a county Extension office. The office will then send the permit to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries’ Farmers Market Authority who will keep a record of the permit.
Step 2. Share a copy of the growers permit with the farmers market manager where you wish to sell. Growers selling in more than one county do not need to obtain more than one certificate. The permit also allows the producer to sell raw agricultural commodities at other locations, such as roadside stands and festivals.
If you are an Alabama grower wishing to sell direct to consumers, more information on this marketing tool can be found on the Farmers Market Authority website or by emailing fma@agi.alabama.gov.
