A California law known as the Direct Marketing Act was passed in 1978 and in so doing the seeds that helped to usher the revival of the farmers markets from sea to shining sea were sown. This law enabled California farmers to sell their own produce directly to consumers at designated farmers’ markets.

To qualify for a California Farmers’ Market, a market must:

• consist of farmers who possess a current state issued certified producer’s certificate;
• be a non-profit entity;
• and consist of produce and products grown or produced in California.