Downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market operated by Ecology Center, view of the market vendor stalls and information booth where customers can use their CalFresh EBT benefits to spend with vendors at the market.
In the coming weeks, you may see some big changes at our three weekly Berkeley Farmers’ Markets. We are significantly changing the layouts of our markets to comply with new Fire Code enforcement requirements from the Berkeley Fire Department. But don’t worry, all our fantastic vendors will be there, just in new locations.
Our community based farmers’ markets, operated with the highest standards by the Ecology Center in Berkeley since 1989, are deeply ingrained in Berkeley’s culture. They are fun, family-friendly events which serve as community gathering spaces in addition to providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables for shoppers of all incomes. They provide essential services and food access to our community every week, notably during emergencies like the pandemic. Our markets prioritize advancing beginning farmers, immigrant farmers, veteran and women-owned farms, organic farmers, and supporting farmworkers in becoming farm owners.
Farmers’ markets contribute to the economic vitality of the community by supporting a direct marketing system in which local and regional family farmers receive 90 cents of every dollar spent. According to the National Farmers’ Market Coalition, Farmers’ Markets generate an additional $2.60 in local business for every dollar spent, supporting local business districts.
Our markets have been leaders in banning GMOs, promoting organic and regenerative production, and reducing plastic pollution. We leverage our expertise from operating these markets, bringing statewide access to CalFresh and WIC shoppers through our Market Match Program, and provide statewide leadership for the farmers’ market industry through the California Alliance of Farmers Markets (CAFM) that we founded and facilitate.
The Berkeley Farmers’ Markets host approximately 300,000 visitors a year and are proud to operate year-round, rain or shine, with an exemplary safety record for 37 years and counting. Their historic layout does not meet the newly enforced requirements in the California State Fire Code.
If you’re a regular Berkeley Farmers’ Market Shopper, these changes may seem significant; We get it, change is hard! However, no vendors will be displaced and there will be maps and market staff available to help shoppers with the transition. If you can’t find your favorite market vendor, please come and find one of our team members to assist you.
Berkeley Farmers’ Market Staff have worked closely with The City of Berkeley Staff and thank them for their tireless efforts for the city and assistance around fire code compliance.
The attached maps reflect our best estimates of the layouts that will be rolled out through the month of August. You can expect to see these changes Saturday 8/2, Tuesday 8/12 and Thursday 8/21. Farmers’ Markets are dynamic spaces that can change based on the morning’s harvest or a flat tire. Check our webpage for weekly list of market vendors. Follow us on Instagram to see what’s happening at the market and sign up here for our biweekly Ripe Now! Farmers’ Market Newsletter to stay up to speed on market developments and receive recipes and profiles of our vendors and seasonal produce.
Maps Updated 8/8/25 and subject to change:
