Updated: September 6, 2021

King County

As of September 6, 2021, in King County, masks are required for everyone over 5 years old at outdoor events with 500 or more people, and continue to be required in public indoor spaces. Masks are strongly recommended (but not required) in crowded outdoor settings where people cannot remain at least 6 feet apart.”

General: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19.aspx
Order: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/~/media/depts/health/communicable-diseases/documents/C19/LHO-masking-order.ashx

Governor’s Proclamations

On August 18, 2021, Governor Jay Inslee announced that that “the existing statewide mask mandate will be expanded to once again include vaccinated individuals in indoor settings effective Monday, August 23.” The announcement goes on to say: “While not required, the Department of Health strongly recommends individuals also wear masks in crowded outdoor settings, such as outdoor concerts, fairs and farmers markets.”

On June 30, 2021, Governor Jay Inslee reopened the state under the “Washington Ready Plan” stating that “all industry sectors previously covered by guidance in the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery or the Safe Start Reopening Plan may return to usual capacity and operations” with a few exceptions.

Proclamation 20-25.14 by the Governor “Washington Ready”
Order of the Secretary of Health Amending Order 20-03 re: Face Coverings
L&I Requirements and Guidance for Preventing COVID-19
COVID-19 Reopening Guidance for Businesses and Workers

What to Expect at Your Farmers Markets

  • Everyone is strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in the farmers market regardless of vaccination status.
  • There are no longer capacity restrictions or lines to enter the market.
  • Eating and drinking in the markets is now allowed.
  • Public Health will no longer regulate touching/handling of produce handling, however individual farm and market businesses may set their own safety requirements.
  • Please read signage at stands or ask if you’re unsure.

Farmers Markets Respond

Like other small businesses, Washington farmers markets were stretched to the limit in 2020. Fortunately, farmers markets thrive on creativity and resilience. They adapted so that local farmers were able to sell directly to shoppers in over 90 neighborhoods and towns around the state. Some added pre-ordering, special hours, drive by pick ups, and even delivery.

Statewide, farmers markets sales dropped a third, or over $20 million in 2020, impacting thousands of small businesses and families.

Washington farmers markets are back this summer with their full variety of local farmers, good food, and artisans. And, like other small businesses, they are working hard to recover and rebuild while maintaining safe, outdoor shopping in accordance with public health guidelines.

Community Recovery

Farmers markets are open. Please check your farmers market’s social media, website or newsletter for the most up-to-date information. You can find an updated farmers markets schedule here.

🥕  Find the best and freshest. Healthy, tasty, good deals. Varieties, artisan foods and crafts found only at your farmers market.

🥕  Experience a relaxed stroll amid the booths, familiar faces, and make it an outdoor treasure hunt for the kids.

🥕  Make a difference by directly support small businesses, jobs, and the livelihoods of every farmer and every vendor. Farmers markets are building back our local economy and feeding communities all while treading lightly on the environment.

Keeping Farmers Markets Strong

Farmers markets operate with a bounty of love and very lean budgets. Please help keep shoppers and vendors connected, and farmers markets strong. Volunteer or donate to your local farmers market. Contact the WSFMA for more information.

Guidance for Washington Farmers Markets

Resources