Farmers markets are well known for their fresh and local produce that vendors feel good for selling and buyers feel even better about purchasing. Unfortunately, not everything that comes out of a farmers market is for the best. Food allergies and foodborne illnesses have made it so that farmers and vendors have to protect themselves as well as their business. One of the best ways to do that is to have food insurance. If you’re thinking about being a vendor at your first farmers market, be aware that you may be required to have product liability insurance not only to protect yourself, but to protect the location and the rest of the farmers market as well.

Small Potatoes

 Many farmers feel that they’re already small enough that they can’t afford food insurance. While it may cost them money to pay for insurancemonth-to-month, it’s better than suddenly having their business completely wiped out by a single lawsuit. Getting enough farmers to participate in a farmers market can be challenging enough, but requiring each of them to have liability insurance only adds to the complication.

Accidents Happen

 If you’re new to farming and plan on selling what you grow, there’s a chance that you can use the wrong kind of compost or accidentally sell fruits and vegetables that are contaminated. It can cost as much as $5,000 to $6,000 a day to remain in critical care after suffering from a foodborne illness. Imagine how much of a lawsuit that could be.

Before you start looking for food markets to participate in, make sure that you first look for a good food insurance liability plan.