The Direct Marketing Program provides oversight of all growers who sell their certifiable agricultural commodities directly to consumers at Certified Farmer’s Markets in California.  A producer may become certified by applying to the Agricultural Commissioner of the county where the producer's farm is located.  A producer who farms in more than one county must be certified in each county where he/she produces certifiable agricultural commodities. Certification includes an inspection of the growing site(s) to assure that the seller farms the products they market. Certification is through the California Department of Food and Agriculture Direct Marketing Program's website. Additionally, those applying for a Certified Farmer's Market certificate can also utilized the same website to obtain certification. After submitting your application information in the website, call our office at (559)675-7876 to continue the certification process. For producers, please provide a map of your site(s) and a deed, tax bill, or lease agreement showing you have control of your site(s). There are fees associated with the certification of producers and farmer's markets, call our office for updated fees.

The Organic Program requires producers, handlers and processors wishing to market their commodities as organic to register with the California Department of Food and Agriculture annually in accordance with the California Organic Foods Act of 1990. Organic registrants are subject to records inspections as well as investigations of complaints concerning non-compliances relating to this Act. Registration can be done through the California Department of Food and Agriculture California Organic Program's website.