Have Extra Veggies? Sell 'Em Online!

Your garden is all planned out, the weather is cooperating, and a green and healthy diet for your family is just a few steps away.

Then the lettuce gets out of hand, the zucchini gets enormous and what are you going to do with all those tomatoes?

Here’s a thought: Sell or donate your produce to those who need it. That’s the thinking behind a new online program that allows local gardeners to sell or donate their eligible produce.

The online self-certification program from the Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office reflects the region's ongoing commitment to supporting locally grown healthy foods and increasing access for consumers.

The free online program creates a mechanism for school gardens, community gardens and home gardens to legally sell or donate their produce in compliance with Cal Code regulations.

If you're interested in the program, the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office will be hosting two informational meetings. The first is on Tuesday, April 16 and the next a month later on Monday, May 13. Both will run from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Agricultural Commissioner’s conference room, located at 133 Aviation Blvd, Suite 110 in Santa Rosa. Registration required.

Interested gardeners will find a brief introduction to the program on the website, and proceed to the online registration form. After agreeing to follow 16 best management practices related to food safety and completing the required registration information, the gardener receives an Approved Produce Gardener Certificate.