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RED HILLS ONLINE MARKET (RHOM)

Terms of Service

1. Overview

Red Hills Online Market (RHOM) is a not-for-profit online Farmers Market operated by the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance (RHSFA) for the purpose of connecting local Farmers and Producers directly with Customers seeking fresh local food and other local products.

RHOM is not the producer, manufacturer, processor, grower, seller, or guarantor of any product listed on the platform. It is acting solely as the Producer’s non-exclusive agent by providing an online marketplace, collection and distribution of payments, temporary storage and order aggregation, and pickup locations.

Producers sell directly to Customers and are solely responsible for their products, including compliance with all applicable laws governing labeling, food safety, feed production, and the content of all listings and labels.

RHOM visually inspects labels and products for administrative purposes only and may reject products for obvious quality or packaging issues, but RHOM does not independently evaluate, test, certify, or verify any product or claim.


2. Customer Agreement

2.1 Fees, Ordering, RHOM’s Role in General

There is an annual $50 registration fee to shop at the RHOM Market.

For new customers, that fee is waived for the first two orders.

Each order placed by a customer is a legally enforceable contract. If a customer fails to pick up an order, the customer is still obligated to pay for the items in the order. A $10 abandoned order fee will be charged to the customer's account if an order is left at a Hub beyond the specified pick-up time.

RHOM staff will inspect and aggregate all orders prior to pickup solely as a logistical service that does not constitute warranting, repackaging, relabeling, manufacturing, processing, or certification.

If a product is damaged during packing or is found to be of poor quality, RHOM will provide the customer with a store credit.

RHOM aims to provide the highest quality products, which requires our member farmers and producers to deliver market-grade products. The customer understands that since many RHOM farmers do not use pesticides or herbicides, fruits and vegetables may have cosmetic inconsistencies (i.e., will not look "perfect").

Sales are complete and title transfers when Customers or their designated delivery agents take possession.

Customers must inspect products promptly and report concerns within RHOM’s established timeframe.

2.2 Understanding Product Types and Labels

Customers are responsible for reading all labels and listings and for using products only as intended.

Products may fall under different regulatory categories, including, but not limited to:

  • unregulated agricultural products
  • USDA-inspected proteins and processed foods
  • Cottage Foods made in unregulated kitchens
  • exempt poultry and eggs produced on unregulated farms
  • pet food/feed, including raw dairy products, not intended for human consumption

Not all of these categories require special labeling. RHOM inspects products for the presence of labels, not their content.

2.2.a Raw Milk and Dairy Products

It is illegal to sell raw milk and dairy products for human consumption in Florida.

All raw milk and dairy products sold through the RHOM website, even those produced in Grade A facilities in Georgia, must be labeled and sold exclusively as animal or pet food not intended for human consumption as required by Florida law.

Any off-label use is solely the responsibility of the Customer.

Customers purchasing raw milk and dairy products for delivery into Georgia acknowledge and agree that:

  • When making delivery into Florida or Georgia, RHOM is acting as Customer’s agent and is solely a delivery service, not a seller, distributor, or re-packer of raw milk.
  • The product is labeled and being sold and delivered as Animal Food, not intended for human consumption, as required by Florida and Georgia law.
  • RHOM does not advertise, promote, or describe raw dairy as a product for human consumption.

2.3 Allergens

Products may be produced in facilities that process nuts, dairy, or other allergens. RHOM makes no guarantees regarding allergen exposure. Customers must contact Producers directly with allergen questions.

2.4 Delivery

Customers have the option to pick up orders themselves. When a Customer chooses to have RHOM deliver their order to a Hub or to their home, they are appointing RHOM as their non-exclusive agent for purpose of that delivery and RHOM is acting solely as the agent of Customer.

RHOM is not responsible for temperature control, spoilage, or product safety that occurs after a Customer or their representative takes possession of an order.

2.5 Limitation of Liability

RHOM makes no warranties regarding products offered by Producers. To the fullest extent permitted by law, RHOM is not liable for claims arising out of the listing, sale, handling, or delivery of products, including, but not limited to the following:

  • illnesses
  • injuries
  • allergic reactions
  • product defects
  • labeling errors
  • regulatory violations
  • or any other damages or losses arising from Producer products

Nothing in these Terms waives rights that cannot legally be waived.

RHOM's total liability shall not exceed the amount paid by the Customer for the specific order giving rise to the claim.


3. Producer Agreement

3.1 Registration and Compliance

All Members of the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance Online Farmer’s Market (RHOM) must agree to be bound by the following Rules (which may be modified at any time by the RHOM). By applying to become a Member, Producers agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.

A $100 annual registration fee is required.

By listing products, Producers certify that:

  • all products comply with federal and state laws
  • listings are accurate and truthful
  • required permits and certifications are current and on file
  • all labels meet legal requirements

Each producer is solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all licenses, permits, registrations, and approvals required by federal, state, and local law.

RHOM does not provide legal or regulatory advice. Participation in the marketplace does not constitute a determination that a producer's products or operations comply with applicable laws.

3.2 RHOM Appointed as Agent of Producers

By listing products on the RHOM website, a Producer appoints RHOM as its non-exclusive agent for marketing those products, accepting customer orders, collecting payment, coordinating delivery, and providing other related services. For these services, it collects a service fee that is added to the price of the items sold.

Producers are the seller of record. They own the products, set the prices, and are responsible for all compliance requirements and liability.

Producers are solely responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes arising from sales. As a Producer’s agent, RHOM collects those taxes on the Producer’s behalf and pays them on a monthly basis.

Producers grant RHOM a non-exclusive license to use photographs, logos, product descriptions, and other submitted content for marketplace operations and promotion.

3.3 Indemnification and Hold Harmless

By listing products, Producers agree to indemnify and hold harmless RHSFA and RHOM, including their board and officers, from any claims, damages, regulatory actions, or costs—including attorneys’ fees—arising from the Producer’s products, including, but not limited to, food safety issues, labeling errors, misrepresentation, or regulatory violations.


4. Producer Eligibility & Operational Rules

Producers must comply with the following:

  • Local Radius — All operations must be within 100 miles of Tallahassee.
  • No Reselling — Only items grown, raised, or produced by the Producer may be listed.
  • Assisted Production — Producers may sell items they helped produce on another RHOM farm in good standing.
  • Site Visits — RHOM may visit Producer operations at least every other year, or upon relocation or expansion.
  • Volunteer Participation — Producers are encouraged to volunteer one four-hour market shift per year.
  • Dues & Reinstatement — Annual dues are due on the Producer’s anniversary date. Producers more than 30 days late may not participate until paid. A $25 reinstatement fee applies.
  • Pricing Transparency — Prices and unit descriptions must be posted at the time of listing.
  • Heavy Items & Plants — RHOM does not deliver items over 10 lbs. RHOM only delivers plants in 4-inch pots or smaller; plants larger than 4 inches or items over 10 lbs must be delivered directly by the Producer to the Customer.
  • Pickup-Only Items — Items requiring Producer-to-Customer handoff must include "RHOM PICKUP ONLY" in the title or tagline. ​​
  • Delivery Timeliness — Late arrivals incur a $50 fee unless waived for emergencies.
  • Shortages — Producers must notify RHOM staff by phone no later than noon the day before Market if unable to supply an item.


5. Products Requiring No Certification

The following may be sold without additional permits:

  • vegetables grown by the Producer
  • fruits, nuts, and berries grown on the Producer’s farm
  • honey harvested from the Producer’s bees
  • fresh or dried flowers grown by the Producer
  • plants grown by the Producer


6. Products Requiring Permits or Certifications

***Any information provided by RHOM regarding licensing, registration, labeling, or regulatory compliance is informational only and does not constitute legal advice.***

Products requiring permits include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • All prepared foods, meat, fish, milk, eggs, and cheese must comply with state and federal regulations. Required permits must be current and on file.
  • Eggs require a Florida Poultry & Egg Permit or Georgia Candler License
  • Baked Goods must be produced either in a certified kitchen or pursuant to an applicable Cottage Food exemption. Any required certifications, registrations, or disclosures must be on file.
  • Preserves & Low-Risk Processed Foods must be produced in a certified kitchen and certification must be on file.
  • Acidified or High-Acid Foods—Producer must complete the FDA acidified foods certification course and certification must be on file.
  • Meat, Fish, Milk, and Cheese must come from animals raised by the Producer
    • Must comply with all Florida laws
    • Must be processed and packaged at approved facilities
    • All required licenses and certifications must be on file
  • Animal Feed must be produced pursuant to a Master Feed Registration on file.
  • Products labeled “Certified Organic” or “Certified Naturally Grown” must have valid certification on file.

6.1 Raw dairy and other feed products intended for use by Pets or other Animals

It is illegal to sell raw milk and dairy products for human consumption in the state of Florida. All raw milk, raw dairy, and animal feed products listed on RHOM must:

  • Be labeled exclusively as “Pet Food. Not for Human Consumption.”
  • Meet all Florida Feed labeling requirements.

Florida producers with all authorizations required by applicable law may offer raw dairy products on RHOM. Producers are solely responsible for determining whether any licenses, registrations, permits, or other approvals are required in Georgia for products intended for delivery to Georgia customers.

Georgia producers with all authorizations required by applicable law who want to offer raw dairy products on RHOM are solely responsible for determining whether any licenses, registrations, permits, or other approvals are required in Florida for products intended for delivery to Florida customers.

6.2 Non-Salable Items

  • Animals may not be sold or given away through RHOM.
  • Raw milk and dairy products for human consumption may not be sold on RHOM.


7. Administrative & Labeling Requirements

7.1 Basic Listing and Label Requirements

All listings must accurately describe the product being offered, including what permit type it is being offered for sale under, such as “Cottage Food” or “Animal Feed.”

All labels must comply with the legal requirements governing the products they represent.

  • For RHOM administrative purposes, all labels must prominently include:
    • Producer name
    • Product name
    • Selling units

  • Labels must also:
    • adhere securely
    • be readable from 2 feet away
    • match the online listing exactly

7.2 Special Labeling and Listing.

Labels must provide all information required by law.

Listings for the following products must include the following specific language:

  • Feed-product listings must state: “For animal use only. Not Intended for Human Consumption.”
  • Cottage-Food listings must state: “Made in a Cottage Food operation that is not subject to Florida’s food safety regulations.”

7.3 Meat and Other Animal Proteins

Meats must be:

  • frozen
  • vacuum-sealed
  • labeled with:
    • type of meat
    • cut
    • net weight
    • processor name & address
    • USDA facility number
    • farm name & address

Any irregularities (broken seals, ice crystals, unusual cuts, etc.) must be disclosed in the product tagline.

7.4 Eggs

Egg cartons must include the farm name and address.

7.5 Truthfulness and Transparency

All promotional claims must be complete, accurate, and not misleading.

7.6 Delivery Windows

  • Meat: Wednesday 2:00–4:45 PM
  • All other products: Thursday 7:00–8:45 AM
  • Timely delivery is required. Repeated late arrivals will result in a $50 fee.

7.7 Payment and Fees

Producers are paid monthly for products sold through RHOM.

Producer Fees:

  • RHOM retains a Market Service Fee that varies depending on each product’s category.

Volunteer Discount:

  • Producers who volunteer 4 hours in a month receive a 5% reduction on their Producer Fee for that month.

Customer Service Fee:

  • RHOM adds a set percentage of the price set by Producer to every sale as a service fee which is paid by the Customer and does not reduce producer revenue.

Any store credit issued by RHOM due to Producer product quality, shortages, mislabeling, or non-delivery may be deducted from amounts otherwise payable to the Producer.

Producers are responsible for chargebacks, payment disputes, returned payments, and associated fees arising from the sale of their products. RHOM may deduct such amounts from future payments due to the Producer.


8. General Provisions

8.1 Refunds and Product Concerns

Customers should contact Producers directly if there is a problem with a product. RHOM does not guarantee refunds or replacements. Producers are responsible for resolving product-quality concerns. RHOM may issue store credits at its discretion but is not obligated to do so.

8.2 Privacy and Data Use

RHOM collects and uses personal information solely for the operation of the Market, including account management, order processing, payment processing, delivery coordination, customer communications, and market-related announcements.

RHOM does not sell or rent personal information to third parties. Customer and Producer information may be shared with service providers, payment processors, delivery personnel, or Producers as reasonably necessary to fulfill orders and operate the Market.

By using RHOM, Customers and Producers consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of information as described in these Terms. While RHOM takes reasonable measures to protect personal information, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and RHOM cannot guarantee absolute security.

8.3 Suspension or Termination

RHOM may suspend or terminate any Customer or Producer for:

  • violations of these Terms
  • regulatory non-compliance
  • safety concerns
  • misrepresentation
  • abusive or disruptive behavior
  • conduct detrimental to RHOM

8.4 Customer Conduct

RHOM may refuse service to any Customer who engages in abusive, threatening, or disruptive behavior toward staff, volunteers, Producers, or other Customers.

8.5 Force Majeure

RHOM is not liable for delays, cancellations, or product loss caused by events beyond its control, including weather, natural disasters, power outages, or transportation disruptions.

8.6 Dispute Resolution

Disputes shall first be addressed through good-faith informal resolution. If unresolved, disputes will be submitted to mediation in Leon County, Florida. If mediation fails, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration in Leon County, Florida.

The prevailing party in arbitration shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.

8.7 Product Recall and Safety Actions

RHOM may immediately suspend, remove, refuse delivery of, or notify Customers regarding any product that RHOM reasonably believes may present a food safety, feed safety, labeling, regulatory, or other health concern. Producers shall cooperate fully with any recall, withdrawal, customer notification, or regulatory action and shall be responsible for any costs arising from their products.

8.8 Changes to These Terms

RHSFA may update these Terms at any time. Continued participation constitutes acceptance of revised Terms.