Dear VAFMA Members & Friends,

Mark you Calendars:
VAFMA’s 6th Annual Farmers Market Conference
“Influencers, Innovators & Incubators”
November 1-2, 2018
Richmond, Virginia

Take two days off from the market, barn, hoop house, office, field or kitchen to get inspired!

Network with friends and neighbors, learn about business-strengthening innovations and connect with industry leaders at this dynamic, two-day event. Features include a keynote by national food incubator Cullen Gilchrist of Union Kitchen in DC; workshops and break-out sessions tailored to the needs of market managers and vendors; tracks for beginners and experienced farmers market participants alike; a session for those interested in accepting SNAP; and an exhibit area packed with resources.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to gather with over 120 farmers market participants from all over the state, all in one place.

Kim Hutchinson
Executive Director


Influencers, Innovators & Incubators

This year’s theme focuses on innovative and new ideas that help drive farmers market success.

Keynote Speaker: Cullen Gilchrist, Co-founder and CEO of Union Kitchen DC

  • Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Jewel Bronaugh
  • President of the Virginia Farm Bureau, Wayne Pryor
  • Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney
  • Goochland County Administrator John Budesky
  • Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, Heidi Hertz
  • Molly Harris of Lulus Local Food
  • Elizabeth Stark of @BrooklynSupper
  • Barb Upchurch of The Apple Cart
  • Chef Sariann Lahrer of The Broken Tulip, a social eatery
  • Farmers Bruce Johnson and Chris Stem of Ashland Meat Company @ Cross Bros Grocery
  • Austin Green, Co-Founder of Hatch Kitchen RVA

Plus many experienced market managers and other market stakeholders from across the state as well as marketing experts from the Farmers Market Coalition and Constant Contact!

Conference Agenda


Early Bird Registration Ends September 30th

Save $25 by taking advantage of the Early Bird Registration rates before the end of the month.

Sept 1 – 30: Early Bird Tickets ($25 savings)
Two Days: $100 (members) $125 (non-members)
One Day:  $50 (members); $75 (non-members)Oct 1 – Nov 1: Regular Pricing
Two Days: $125 (members) $150 (non-members)
One Day:  $75 (members); $100 (non-members)

Conference Registration


Hotel Discount Ends September 30th

Enjoy staying at the nearby Wingate by Wyndham Richmond

Take advantage of the conference rate of $104 (king) & $114 (2 queens) room by booking your room through the link below. (Must register by September 30th to qualify for this rate)

Consider staying the weekend to experience the amazing Fire, Flour & Fork.

Room Registration


Join VAFMA at the State Fair!
(Free tickets for volunteers)

The Virginia State Fair is Sept 28 – Oct 7 and VAFMA will be there! Join us for the fun.

The Capital Area Farmers Market Association is organizing a booth at the farmers market near the entrance of the Fair. We will be greeting fair goers, giving them market shopping bags, answering questions about farmers markets and encouraging visitors to take pictures with our Sunflower cut out. Volunteers will receive a parking pass and a pass to the Fair.

Sign Up to Join Us!