08/21/2026
THE FACTS BEHIND THE PROPOSED VVC AGREEMENT
We believe our community deserves clear and factual information about the financial terms presented to the High Desert Farmers Market.
Our current rent at Victor Valley College is $2,000 per month. Under the proposed two-year agreement, it would increase to $4,000 per month.
Doubling our rent.
A 100% increase before accounting for other required expenses.
The proposed agreement also requires HDFM to pay $80.75 per hour for a dedicated Campus Police officer during market events. Based on six hours of coverage each Thursday, that equals:
• $484.50 per market day
• $1,938 in a four-Thursday month
• $2,422.50 in a five-Thursday month
This expense is separate from the proposed $4,000 monthly rent.
We were also verbally told that HDFM would be invoiced separately for $400 per month in general grounds and custodial support and $400 per month in standard restroom cleaning. An additional $800 per month. This used to be included in our monthly rent at a rate of $200.
Based on the proposed agreement and the separate charges communicated to us verbally, the estimated monthly VVC-related cost would be:
• $6,738 in a four-Thursday month
• $7,222.50 in a five-Thursday month
That is approximately 47% of the market’s gross revenue before accounting for HDFM’s many other operating expenses.
Our intention has never been to create conflict or misrepresent our longstanding relationship with VVC. Our responsibility is to be transparent about the financial and long-term realities facing the market.
We remain willing to meet with the appropriate VVCCD representatives and Board of Trustees to discuss whether a financially sustainable solution can be reached.
At the same time, we are actively searching for a new long-term home for the High Desert Farmers Market. We are evaluating all viable options that will allow the market to remain accessible to our community and sustainable for our vendors.
If you have a serious property lead, please email management directly at [email protected] with the property address, the name of the best person to contact, and their email address and/or phone number.
Any new agreement or location must be sustainable for the High Desert Farmers Market, our vendors, and the community we have served for more than 35 years.
The market remains OPEN every Thursday from 8 AM–12 PM at the VVC Lower Campus while we work toward a sustainable solution and search for our future home.
