Bringing people and food together in the peak to peak region

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Our Community Values

The Nederland Farmers Market is a celebration of local agriculture, community connection, and shared prosperity. Our mission is to build a market to be a profitable outlet for local business and agriculture, a valuable source of fresh and healthy foods for consumers, a valuable resource for community information and building social capital, and a profitable venue to support sustainable business.

Market Participants: These guidelines apply to all participants, including vendors, customers, staff, and volunteers.

We are committed to creating a space where:

• Every person feels welcome, valued, and respected regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, ability, or background

• Local farmers and artisans can thrive in their entrepreneurial efforts

• Families can shop safely and enjoyably together

• Community members can connect over shared appreciation for local food and craftsmanship

• Diverse perspectives enrich our market community while respecting others' right to shop and sell peacefully

 

Community Standards

To maintain our welcoming atmosphere, we ask all participants to:

Treat Everyone with Respect

• Use respectful language and tone in all interactions

• Be patient and courteous with fellow participants

• Allow others to shop and conduct business without interference

• Appreciate that our market brings together people with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints

Support a Positive Market Environment

• Keep conversations friendly and appropriate for all ages

• Respect vendors' business practices and product choices

• Allow market staff to address any concerns professionally

• Focus on the shared joy of local food and community connection

Respect Market Operations

• Follow staff directions regarding safety and market procedures

• Keep noise levels appropriate for a family-friendly environment

• Refrain from solicitation or distribution of non-market materials without permission

• Support vendors' right to conduct business without disruption

Well-Behaved Pets Welcome

• Well-trained pets are welcome and must be kept on leash at all times

• Pet owners are responsible for their animal's behavior and cleanup

• Animals causing disturbance to others or creating safety concerns may be asked to leave

 

Activities That Don't Align with Our Values

• The following behaviors conflict with our community values and are not permitted:

• Harassment or Discrimination: Targeting individuals based on personal characteristics or beliefs, persistent unwelcome attention, or creating hostile environments

• Disruptive Conduct: Loud confrontations, aggressive behavior toward participants, interference with market operations, or actions that make others feel unsafe

• Interference with Vendor Business: Deterring customers from purchasing, aggressive questioning of vendors' products or business practices, or persistent confrontation that disrupts normal sales activities

• Unauthorized Solicitation: Political campaigning, religious proselytizing, distribution of materials, or other activities not related to market business without management approval

• Market Interference: Blocking vendor spaces, disrupting customer flow, or preventing normal market activities

 

Supportive Response Process

Our Approach: We believe in addressing issues with understanding and giving people opportunities to contribute positively to our community.

First Step - Friendly Guidance

Market staff will approach individuals with courtesy, explain our community standards, and invite cooperation in maintaining our welcoming environment.

Second Step - Clear Boundaries

If concerning behavior continues, individuals will receive a clear explanation of expectations and potential consequences, with an opportunity to modify their approach.

Final Step - Temporary Removal

When behavior significantly impacts others' safety or enjoyment, individuals may be asked to leave for that market day to allow everyone to continue enjoying the market peacefully.

Serious Situations

Threatening behavior, safety concerns, or severe disruption may result in immediate removal and potential seasonal restrictions to protect our community.

 

Vendor Support and Accountability

• For Vendors: We support you in creating positive customer experiences while maintaining your business autonomy. Vendors experiencing persistent issues will receive immediate assistance and follow-up support.

• Vendor Authority at Their Booth: Vendors have the right to ask any customer to leave their individual booth space for any reason, and this request must be respected immediately. Market staff will support vendors in enforcing this boundary when needed.

• Vendor Expectations: As community leaders, vendors help set the tone through respectful customer service, professional conflict resolution, and adherence to these same community standards.

 

Reporting and Support

Multiple Ways to Connect:

• Speak directly with Market Director or any staff member

• Contact Nederland Farmers Market Board members

• Submit concerns anonymously at the Info Booth

• Email: vending@nederlandfarmersmarket.org

 

Our Commitment: Every concern will be addressed promptly and professionally, with focus on solutions that support our entire community.

 

Authority and Implementation

Authority and Legal Foundation

• Event Management Authority: The Nederland Farmers Market organization holds permits and contracts for the entire market space during operating hours, giving us legal authority to establish and enforce community standards for all participants.

• Conditions of Entry: All participants enter subject to these posted community standards. Violations of these standards constitute grounds for removal under Colorado trespass law.

• Compliance with Boulder County Regulations: Our policies align with Boulder County's Human Rights Ordinance, which prohibits discrimination in public accommodations (including farmers markets) based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, marital status, familial status, and sexual orientation.

• Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Requirements: Boulder County regulations prohibit all forms of inappropriate behaviors, including sexual harassment and discriminatory harassment. Individuals are protected from retaliation for reporting or opposing harassment or discrimination, and violations can result in disciplinary actions up to and including exclusion from the market.

• Non-Discrimination vs. Conduct Standards: Our policy welcomes people of all backgrounds and protects against discrimination based on protected characteristics. However, we maintain the right to address disruptive behavior and conduct that impacts others' safety and enjoyment, regardless of who engages in such behavior.

• Vendor Booth Rights: Individual vendor booths operate as leased business spaces under the overall market contract. Vendors have legal standing to control access to their individual booth areas, similar to any business establishment.

• Consistent Application: These standards apply equally to all participants and are enforced based on behavior and conduct, not personal characteristics or beliefs.

• The Market Director has authority to implement these standards consistently and fairly, with support from the Nederland Farmers Market Board. All decisions prioritize the safety and welcoming nature of our community space.

• Posted Notice: These community standards are posted at market entrances. Participation in the market indicates acceptance of these guidelines.

 

 

The Nederland Farmers Market is a place where local agriculture, community spirit, and mutual respect create something special for everyone. Together, we maintain a space that celebrates both our diversity and our shared values.