Become a Local Vendor

Products labeled local at The Merc Co+op have been raised, grown or made within 200 miles of The Merc Co+op’s stores.

Unfortunately, our co-op does not have the space to sell all of the local products that come our way. So, we prioritize our local offerings based on quality, category capacity (do we already several local options?), pricing, packaging, consistency in availability, commercial production and appropriate licensing.

Are you interested in partnering with the co-op?

Tell us more about your farm or business by filling out the form below. You may also choose to familiarize yourself with our product guidelines for more information.

Just getting started? The Kansas Department of Agriculture has a handy guide for getting started with your food business.

Produce Vendors: Please note that sales agreements are made in the winter for the upcoming summer season. Our existing commitments with local producers will be honored. If you wish to reach out about the next season, please review our produce and floral vendor guidelines.

Business Name

Name

First Name

Last Name

Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Phone

(###)

###

####

Email Address

Website

http://

Profile

Please provide a brief bio and/or overview of your business including how long you have been producing/growing.

Standards & Practices

What are your practices for growing food/feeding animals/sourcing ingredients? Please include information such as: grass fed, grain fed, vegetarian fed, organic, non GMO, local, fair trade, handmade, gluten free, dairy free, paleo, etc.

Inventory

What are you interested in selling at the co-op? Include varieties, quantities, and harvest times when applicable.

Delivery

If applicable, please list preferred delivery days/times as well as any days/times that are not available.

Pricing

Please list your current wholesale prices.

Promotions

Would you be interested in doing in store demonstrations, speaking about your business or products and/or providing samples?

Monthly

Quarterly

1–2 times per year

Specific holidays

Not interested

Produce Specific

Do you have a documented food safety plan in place (GAP, Organic Certification, etc.)? Do you use genetically modified or altered seeds? Do you use any chemical applications on your product; if so, please list name, crops used on, rates and dates of applications.

Meat & Egg Specific

What are your practices for how you feed your animals? Please include information on grass fed, grain fed, vegetarian fed, etc. Do you use antibiotics or growth hormones with your animals? Please include information regarding these as well as nitrates; or, note antibiotic free, hormone free, etc. How would you describe the lifestyle of your animals? Please include information on free range, cage free as well as access to food, water and outdoors. How would you describe your treatment and slaughtering practices? Are you Certified Humane (www.certifiedhumane.org)?

Prepared Foods Specific

Are you using a commercial kitchen to prepare your product? If so, where?

The Merc Co+op believes a diverse supply chain promotes greater innovation, a healthier competitive environment and more equitably distributed benefits among all community members. We are committed to doing our part to create a more just society by cultivating partnerships with diverse supplies. A diverse supplier is defined as a business that is at least 51% owned and operated by an individual or group that is part of a systemically underrepresented or underserved group; including businesses that are women-owned, BIPOC-owned, LGBTQIA+-owned, veteran/service-disabled veteran-owned, or owned by persons with disabilities. Based on this description, is your business a diverse supplier?

Yes

Helpful Resources

https://www.fda.gov/food/labeling-nutrition-guidance-documents-regulatory-information/small-business-nutrition-labeling-exemption-guide

https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/licenses/food-and-lodging-applications-and-licenses/application-forms-food-safety-egg-lodging