In San Diego County, there are 37 certified farmers markets.

“The county’s high population density generates significant foot traffic, which is crucial for sustaining farmers markets,” Deputy Agriculture Commissioner and Sealer Jordan Key said via email. “The region’s favorable coastal climate and the active, outdoor lifestyle of its residents further contribute to the popularity of (certified farmers markets).”

Here’s what shoppers need to know about how these markets are regulated, as well as five markets to consider on their next trip out for groceries, gifts and other unique items sold by vendors.

What is a certified farmers market? 

A certified farmers market includes local farmers and growers who have passed various criteria and regulations to sell directly to consumers. Farmers markets are “certified by the (San Diego) County Agricultural Commissioner, ensuring that the produce is being sold by the grower, is grown in California and meets all California quality standards,” according to the San Diego County Farm Bureau.

How does a farmers market become certified? 

To become a certified farmers market, the entity must be a government agency, nonprofit organization or a California certified producer. Applicants must complete an application form and have additional permitting and licensing such as a temporary events permit and a solicitor’s license if the market is in an unincorporated area of the county, 

A certified farmers market must show proof it’s allowed to operate by a local government, including “obtaining the necessary permits to close down a city street or ensuring the location is zoned appropriately for a farmers market,” Key said.

Also, these markets are given a certificate showing certification and must be made available at the market. Each certified farmers market must renew its certification every year. 

In addition, certified farmers are subject to inspections at least once every six months when the market is open.

Who regulates certified farmers markets locally? 

Certified farmers markets are regulated by several agencies, including the county’s Agriculture, Weights & Measures agency, the county’s Department of Environmental Health and Quality, as well as by nearby fire departments, waste management and law enforcement officials.

“For someone unfamiliar with how (certified farmers markets) are regulated, it’s important to know that both the markets and the certified producers who sell at them are frequently inspected by trained and licensed staff,” Key said. “These inspectors are highly skilled in identifying produce, distinguishing between different varieties, understanding harvest windows across the state and verifying the amount of produce that can be harvested from specific growing grounds.”

What are the criteria local farmers and growers need to follow to sell at certified farmers markets? 

To sell at certified farmers markets, Key said certified producers must meet these requirements:

• They must either have a “notarized lease agreement” for the land where the crops are grown or own the land.
• They must be “directly responsible for the production of the crops they sell.”
• They must “undergo an inspection to verify those products are being grown onsite” before selling anything.

Where can I find a certified farmers market in San Diego County?

The San Diego County Farm Bureau lists on its website over 35 certified farmers markets. Some of the items found at these markets are fruits, vegetables, cheeses, nuts and eggs. 

There is at least one certified farmers market on each day of the week, with Saturdays and Sundays having the most with nine each. Many know of popular farmers markets in Little Italy, Hillcrest and Ocean Beach, but here are some other options for farmers markets to check out, one for each day of the week.

Monday: In the city of Escondido, there are three farmers markets each week, but there is only one in the county on Mondays, and it’s at the Hyatt Vacation Club at The Welk. Visitors will find a variety of certified organic produce, food vendors and a variety of handmade arts and crafts items for sale. 3 to 7 p.m. 8860 Lawrence Welk Drive, Escondido. visitescondido.com/events/farmers-market-at-welk-resort-escondido 

Tuesday: On the eastern part of Chula Vista is the Otay Ranch Town Center’s farmers market. This outdoor market is located in the middle of the shopping center where cars normally park. Each Tuesday, guests can find various local vendors selling fruits, vegetables, hot meals from many regions of the world, desserts, clothing and toys. 4 to 8 p.m. 2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista. otayranchtowncenter.com/en/events/farmers-market 

Wednesday: In Carlsbad Village, Wednesday evenings turn State Street into a place to find local groceries. The State Street Farmers Market has a mix of local produce for sale, including vegetables, fruits, cheeses, fish, red meats, eggs and baked goods. There are also vendors selling plants and flowers. 2:30 to 7 p.m. March through October. 2:30 to 6 p.m. November through February. carlsbad-village.com/events/farmers-market 

Thursday: Over 50 vendors are selling local produce, hot food items and more at the Scripps Ranch Farmers Market, inside the Newtopia Cyder’s parking lot. Some of the types of groceries that customers can find are eggs, strawberries, lemons and honey. Available prepared foods include pizza, tacos and cookies. There are also handmade items such as candles, soaps and jewelry. 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays. 10045 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego. scrippsranchfarmersmarket.com 

Friday: The La Mesa Village Farmers Market happens every Friday and organizes approximately 90 small businesses. There are vegetables, fruits, meats, sauces, cheeses, breads, plants and flowers for sale. Plus, there is also live entertainment. 3 to 7:30 p.m. May through September. 3 to 7 p.m. October to April. 8300 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa. lamesavillageassociation.org/la-mesa-village-farmers-market

Saturday: About 50 miles east of downtown San Diego, is the Santa Ysabel Farmers Market. On the weekends it hosts vendors selling avocados, tomatoes, peaches, eggs, tortillas and more. There are also vendors selling hot meals like Mexican food and live music. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 21887 Washington St., Santa Ysabel. facebook.com/santaysabelfarmersmarket 

Sunday: The Solana Beach Farmers Market on Sundays presents a host of farmers selling a mix of organic produce such as mushrooms, spinach, apples and zucchini. There are also vendors selling meals such as sushi, lobsters, and East African food. Live music can also be found at this farmers market. Noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. 444 South Cedros Ave., Solana Beach. solanabeachfarmersmarket.com