The West Virginia Department of Agriculture  (WVDA)  in cooperation with the WVU Extension Small Farm Center  (WVU SFC)  is excited to bring the Winter Blues Farmers Market to Morgantown.

This premier event offers the opportunity to showcase the bounty of West Virginia and bring producers and customers together in a celebration of the State’s food and farm industry!

Please note that WVDA wants to ensure that the market offers a diverse array of products. It may be necessary to limit the number of vendors selling one particular type of product. All products must be grown in WV, manufactured products must have at least 50% of their value added within the state. (All vendor applications are subject to approval by WVDA/WVU SFC).

Once you submit the online questionnaire and agree to the terms of the market and ALL APPROPRIATE LICENSES ARE SUMBITTED, WVDA will review your products and accept or deny your application.

Market Guidelines:

• APPLICATION DEADLINE

Friday, October 23, 2026.  Some categories may fill up faster and applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

• APPLICATION PROCESS

Once you submit the online questionnaire and agree to the terms of the market and ALL APPROPRIATE LICENSES ARE SUMBITTED, WVDA will review your products and accept or deny your application.  Vendors will then select their vendor booth in the order that their payments were received via an email link that will be sent to the email on the application. You will need to show the ticket of your booth when checking in the day of the event. All applicable licenses and permits must be displayed for farmers market.

• INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR

WVDA and WVU SFC will be offering a live webinar to provide event details, guidelines, and answer questions. The meeting link and other details will be provided to vendors with accepted registration and on the WVDA official Facebook page.

• VENDOR TO VENDOR HOUR

Vendors will be allotted a one-hour time slot, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, to participate in a vendor-to-vendor networking and shopping hour. The market WILL NOT be open to the public at this time, however the Department of Agriculture will invite wholesale buyers to this hour for them to be able to shop without a crowd. Vendors must be back at their booths when doors open at 12:00 pm to the public.

• BOOTH SPACE

Each 10-foot booth space will come with one 8’ unskirted table, and 2 chairs. You can bring your own additional tables, signage, coolers, extension cords, trash cans, etc. for your booth  (you must note on the application if you require electricity as space is limited). WVDA recommends a company-branded tablecloth or plain black one for uniformity. The booths will be separated with poles, will not be carpeted, and will not have a back (only a curtain).

• CUSTOMER PAYMENT METHODS

The acceptance of SNAP EBT/Credit Cards will be at the discretion of each vendor. It is advantageous to the vendor to display clear signage at their booth as to what payment methods are accepted. Each vendor must provide their own change for cash sales. Vendors should come prepared with enough small bills and change for the duration of the event. WVDA will not have cash on hand the day of the event.

• DINING OPTIONS

There will be an option for a catered box lunch. The cost is $18.00, you must pre-register on the application, no extras will be available the day of the event.

• LOAD IN, SET UP & PARKING

Set up must be completed by 11:00 am. Load in and set up time will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. Friday set up times are also available on the application. Please bring a hand dolly or cart so that you can unload your vehicle and move to your assigned space. A WVDA employee will direct you to your booth. Once you unload you are required to move your vehicle and then return to set up your booth. Please load in during your selected time to avoid long lines.

• PRODUCT GUIDELINES

The Winter Blues farmers market operates as a “producer-only” market with a “make it, bake it, grow it” philosophy. Products must be produced within the State of West Virginia. Reselling of items is strictly prohibited. Multi-level marketing products and mass-produced items are not permitted.

All products must meet the requirements of the WV Farmers Market Vendor Guide (2026) https://agriculture.wv.gov/wp-content/uploads/Farmers-Market-Vendor-Guide.pdf.

The Winter Blues farmers market does not allow resale of non-West Virginia artisan products, ready-to-eat meals, craft-type items, etc. All products sold must comply with WVDA Farmers Market product regulations, federal regulations, and any other applicable governmental requirements.  Vendors must secure prior to the event all applicable West Virginia Department of Agriculture licenses and permits. If you have questions regarding these products, please contact wvgrown@wvda.us.

Preference will be given to artisan products with a significant agricultural connection, such as products made with goats’ milk, beeswax, herbs, or agricultural materials. Approval is required for every item sold, please be detailed on your product list on your application. Vendors are not permitted to sell items not included in their original application without prior approval from market management. Craft items are only allowed if they are directly related to the vendor’s agricultural operation or reflect traditional Appalachian heritage.

• VENDOR EXPECTATIONS

Vendors are expected to stay and participate for the entire market unless they sell out. Vendors shall keep their area free of debris, respect the space assignments, and not infringe on anyone else’s display. All displays must be kept within the allotted space and not in the aisle. All vendors must clean their areas at the end of the market, putting all trash in a provided trash can and flattening any empty boxes. All vendors MUST submit their total gross sales at the end of the market anonymously on a form that will be provided.

• WIFI

The Wi-Fi password will be given to the vendors no later than the morning of the event.

• WVDA/CONTACT INFORMATION

WVDA Staff will be the main contact for the Market. Please contact the WVDA Business Development Division at 304-558-2210 with any questions.

If WVDA requires a Vendor Permit for the product, the permit MUST be displayed. If you have questions about this contact WVDA Regulatory & Environmental Affairs at (304) 558-2227.

WVDA reserves the right to reject any application or revoke a vendor’s participation, for any reason.