The pre-conference workshops for the Mid-Atlantic Farmers Market Conference take place on November 13, 2024 in Richmond, VA. Both workshops lead to certifications that are especially relevant for farmers markets. They deal with food safety and being prepared for health emergencies.

(Bonus: If you are part of a farmers market seeking to become a Virginia Certified Farmers Market, both ServSafe and First Aid/CPR/AED certifications can help you reach the gold level!)

Both of the Pre-Conference workshops take place at the conference hotel:

Richmond-Midlothian Doubletree by Hilton
1021 Koger Center Boulevard
Richmond Va 23235

First Aid, CPR and AED Certification

10 AM EST to 2 PM EST

The First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students how to respond to emergencies. Students who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate valid for two years.

VAFMA Members: $75

Non-Members: $85

ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification

9 AM EST to 5 PM EST

The food handling regulations in Virginia have a requirement that at least one person “with supervisory and management responsibility and the authority to direct and control food preparation and service” be a “Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM).” To earn this level of certification, a person would need to complete the ServSafe Manager program or an equivalent program. Participants receive a certificate from ServSafe (valid for 5 years) for successfully completing the program.

After the in-person class, there is a short online course through ServSafe about testing ethics and how to use ServSafe materials – approximately 2 hours to be done at any time. To get a certificate, you will need to get a 70% or higher on the test. The tests get sent off for grading and then you will be emailed a certificate email a week or two later.

In order to teach ServSafe to market vendors will need to take the instructor test. Those that take the instructor test will receive their normal ServSafe Manager certificate after passing the test. Then once you do the additional course on the ServSafe site, will receive an additional instructor certificate.

More information from ServSafe:

https://www.servsafe.com/Instructors-Proctors/Instructor-Version-of-the-ServSafe-Food-Protection

https://www.servsafe.com/Instructors-Proctors/Learn

Price: $165

If you are someone who will require an accommodation to sit for the ServSafe CFPM exam, please contact Lester Schonberger (hlschon@vt.edu) no later than October 16th. If you reach out after October 16th we will do our best to meet your accommodations but may not have enough time to do so adequately