Rental fees at Montrose Harvest Market rise

For the first time in three years, the cost of renting a space for vendors at the weekly Montrose Harvest Market will go up following a decision on Thursday by the Montrose Shopping Park Assn. board of directors.

The increase will go into effect on Feb. 1 and raise the rental price for a 10-foot-by-10-foot space from $45 to $50, following a 4-1 vote by board members.

Part of upping the price is based on a $2 mandatory increase imposed by a state law that went into effect at the beginning of this year, and will go toward funding the hiring of more state inspectors to ensure vendors are selling what they grow.

Farmers were previously required to pay 60 cents per week to pay for inspections. However, the board took on that cost for the vendors. That amounted to $125 per quarter based on the 26 or so produce vendors, said Dale Dawson, the association’s business administrator.

But, the new state law doesn’t just impact produce vendors. For the first time, all vendors, including those who sell handmade arts and crafts, will have to pay the $2 fee to cover inspections.

With all 70 or so vendors participating, that balloons the previous $125 per quarter contribution to several thousands of dollars per quarter, according to Dawson’s estimate.

Now the board will be passing on the higher fees to the vendors.

Steve Pierce, manager of the nonproduce vendors, said he thinks the hike could result in the departure of a few nonproduce vendors who rely on the farmers market for more than just trying to earn a profit. They enjoy the camaraderie of the market experience.

“It’s as much a social situation as a business situation,” he said.

Though some vendors might leave, Pierce said he has about 15 prospective new ones that could be interested in taking their place.

Mark Sheridan, the harvest market’s manager, said there were 1,000 violations in the state last year in connection with farmers who misrepresented their produce.

At the local harvest market, a strawberry vendor was expelled five years ago because of a discrepancy in an audit of the produce.

All vendors will also be required to display a conspicuous sign at their booths that bears a message stating they are selling what they have grown, according to the new state law.

During the discussion about raising the rental fee, it was initially suggested it go up to just $47, but board members eventually agreed to round up to an even $50.

“I think $50 is a good number,” said Andre Ordubegian, the association’s president.

Sheridan said rounding up the price had more to do with keeping up with rates of other farmers markets rather than basing the decision on the time that’s lapsed since the previous increase.

“It’s a fair market value compared to the Rose Bowl and other venues,” he said. “It’s comparable.”