April 4, 9 & 11, 9am 12pm EST, online
An online summit for market managers & food vendors covering the ins and outs of food safety requirements in Virginia
Food freshness, short supply chains and excellent traceability make farmers markets ideal venues for food safety. The pride and care market vendors take in preparing and selling their products draws shoppers to our markets. Following safe food handling and preparation practices helps keep them safe and coming back.
In Virginia, farmers market vendors who manufacture, process, pack or hold food for sale are subject to the Virginia Food and Drink Law and related regulations. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (VDACS) Food Safety Specialists, also known as inspectors, ensure that farmers markets are in compliance with these regulations. Food service vendors at farmers markets are permitted by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). ABC administers alcohol-related laws with an emphasis on public safety by ensuring an orderly and regulated system for convenient sales and responsible consumption of alcohol. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (VA ABC) administers alcohol-related laws with an emphasis on public safety. Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) provides helpful food safety publications and training.
During this Food Safety Summit, the Virginia Farmers Market Association (VAFMA) will bring together representatives from VDACS, VDH, VA ABC and VCE to walk you through the requirements and answer your questions. These sessions will be recorded and shared with registrants.
Agenda
VAFMA recommends that all farmers market managers & vendors attend the April 4th session + any sessions relevant to their markets/products.
April 4 (recommended for all to attend):
- Market Food Safety – Virginia Department of Health – Whitney Wright, VDH
- Market Food Safety – Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services – Pam Miles, Rashelly Bland & Karen Bergin, VDACS
- Produce Safety – Erik Bungo & Kristina Banks, VDACS
- Weights & Measures – Gary Milton, VDACS
April 9
- Dairy – Hunter Moyer, VDACS
- CBD/Hemp – Lisa Ramsey, VDACS
- Pet Food – Caroline Wilkinson, VDACS
April 11
- Alcoholic Beverages – Virginia ABC – Marc Haalman
- Food Safety Resources – Lester Schonberger and Melissa Wright, Virginia Cooperative Extension
Recordings will be available. Certificate of Participation will be available.