State Agriculture Department provides guidance for farmers markets

As we move into the summer months, some may be wondering if farmers markets can occur.

According to guidance from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), they can still happen, but some guidelines must be met. 

The Department of Agriculture does note in their guidelines that farmers markets are not considered public gatherings under the current directed health measure (DHM). This is because of the nature of business being conducted and the ability of outdoor markets to create social distancing. 

Panhandle Public Health Director Kim Engel says they agree with this assessment.

"This would not be considered a gathering, but would fall more in the line of a grocery store, which have never been limited under the DHM," Engel said.

The guidelines from the NDA for operators include setting up the market to better allow for six-foot social distancing. They says setting up a one-way path through the market can help direct patron flow and help keep distance.

Additional staff should also be assigned to regulate customer flow and monitor distancing. Furthermore, they say separate farm stands and tents should be set up 10 feet apart. 

Vendors should use masks and protective gloves and not allow sampling of products, according to the guidelines. They should also regularly sanitize their stands.

The guidelines also say organizers should consult with their local health department to ensure the market can meet all local guidelines. 

Engel says their guidelines line up with what the NDA has published. 

"We agree with and support the Department of Ag’s guidelines for Farmers Markets," Engel said. "It will be important for vendors and managers to use the space in a way that will encourage social distancing."

Customers are encouraged to wear masks and wash their hands before and after attending a farmers market. The NDA also says customers should shop alone and shop with their eyes and only touch what they plan to buy.

Reusable bags are discouraged at this time and customers should bring a list of items they want to purchase so they can get in, buy what they want and get out.

A full list of the guidelines from the NDA can be found here.