Market Manager Certification Course
2021-01-22 - 2021-04-23 | ONLINE
Market Manager Certification Course
Fridays, Jan 22 – April 23, 2021

More details to come!

Farmers Market Preparedness - Part IV Topic: How to Tell Your Story
2021-03-11 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | ONLINE
Virginia Cooperative Extension Small Farm Outreach Program at Virginia State University in conjunction with the Virginia Farmers Market Association will share how to craft and tell your farm story. You will learn about marketing/branding/social media. In addition, you will hear about different ways to market your business and what works and more importantly what hasn’t worked in this new market reality.
For more information, contact Michael Carter, Jr. at (804) 691-0490 or micarter@vsu.edu.
YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM MEETING LINK IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A LINK, PLEASE EMAIL smallfarm@vsu.edu
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Blue Ridge Region Meeting
2021-04-28 13:00 - 15:00 | ONLINE
VAFMA’s Blue Ridge Region Meeting. Contact Ricky Kowalewski for Zoom link.

Capital Region Meeting
2021-04-30 11:30 - 13:30 | ONLINE
In preparation for the 2021 market season, we are hosting a Capital Region Market Managers Meeting via Zoom on Friday, April 30th, beginning at 11:30 am. VAFMA’s Executive Director, Kim Hutchinson, will join us to share the very latest in VDACS’ COVID guidance and other important VAFMA news. We will not have a structured agenda, it will be an informal chat about the status of our markets, a discussion on market related issues and a chance to ask questions of each other. Feel free to email with specific topics you would like to discuss.
Contact Cappie and John Montgomery for Zoom link.

Blue Ridge Meeting
2021-07-21 13:00 - 15:00, 2021-10-27 13:00 - 15:00 | ONLINE
Contact Ricky Kowalewski for details

Virginia Agritourism Conference
2021-10-18 - 2021-10-21 | ONLINE
2021 Virginia Agritourism Conference
Base Camp: Exploring the Trails, Agritourism, and Downtown Ecosystem

Agritourism Conference

Market Manager Certification Program
2022-01-21 10:00 - 2022-04-21 12:00 | ONLINE

All Region Market Manager Meeting
2022-03-16 13:00 - 15:30 | ONLINE
Connections & Changes Impacting Virginia’s Farmers Markets
March 16, 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm, via Zoom
VAFMA will connect you with people and resources to help you navigate the 2022 market season. We will share policy and regulation updates impacting farmers markets while also sharing new funding and marketing resources.
Then we’ll break out into regional groups giving you time to connect with other market managers near you. Everyone will separate into Zoom breakout rooms by region.
You’ll leave updated and connected with a list of key contacts for help with resolving market issues.
Register

Action! Using Short Video Clips to Connect with Customers
2022-04-13 18:00 - 20:00 | ONLINE
Part of the Farmers Market Preparedness Series from VAFMA and VSU
Virtual Workshop (Action! Using Short Clips to Connect with Customers)
Audience: Market Vendors 90-Minute Workshop
This workshop will focus on the ins and outs of short form video to attract new customers for individual vendors. Discussion points during the workshop will include:
– Why short form video is important to attracting customers – What is effective and what to shoot
– How long should the videos be? How often should they post?
– Can videos created be used on multiple platforms (IG Reels, TikTok)
– What should I consider to help maintain privacy
– How to overcome stage fright & tips to talking to a camera
– How is the video content best shared to the social platforms (a demonstration will be provided)

Market Day Prep for Farmers Market Success
2022-04-20 18:00 - 19:30 | ONLINE
Success at the farmers market starts well before you get to market. In the second webinar in the Farmers Market Preparedness series, we will focus on getting prepared for market day. We will cover what you need to do, bring, and plan for to improve your sales at market. You’ll leave the webinar with a checklist to use throughout the season.

Food Safety for Farmers Market Vendors
2022-04-27 18:00 - 19:30 | ONLINE
In this third installment of the Farmers Market Preparedness workshop, we will provide an overview of food safety for vendors at farmers markets. It will cover when a food inspection is required, how to obtain an inspection, and the exemptions from inspection in the Virginia Food Laws. The workshop will touch on applicable laws and regulations, food labeling, and packaging.

4 Photos Every Farm Needs Webinar
2022-05-26 15:00 - 16:00 | ONLINE
Connecting with shoppers at a busy farmers market can be a challenge. Using photographs can help tremendously. In this webinar, the Virginia Farmers Market Association partners with Digital Storyteller and Farm Photographer Daniel James (DJ) of Herd Ventures to share the four shots every farmer needs to include on their website and at market.
DJ will cover why each photo is important and how it connects with customers, sharing examples throughout. He will also walk you through how to integrate the photos into your market set up so they are visible but don’t blow away on a windy day. You will leave the webinar with a pared down plan for adding photographs to your market display.
May 26, 2022, 3pm – 4pm, via Zoom
About the Speaker: With a family history of farming and a personal background in small business development, nonprofits, and agriculture, DJ founded HERD Ventures to cultivate community through story. Over the past decade, he has traveled the world working with farms to understand the evolution of agriculture and the role these stories play in feeding the imagination. Based on a sprawling farm in Esmont, Virginia he now focuses exclusively on the Commonwealth and its regional food system to help bridge the gap between content and consumption.
A recording will be available for registrants.

Sales Strategy for Vendors Workshop
2022-06-22 15:00 - 17:00 | ONLINE
June 22, 2022, 3pm – 5pm, via Zoom
Want to increase your sales at the market? Learn tips and techniques of engagement with customers and tourists by developing a sales strategy for both in-person and online sales. Understand how to better communicate what makes you and your brand special. Take the guess work out of social, email, and sales by focusing on why you are in this business, and putting a plan in place to reach your goals.
Join the Virginia Farmers Market Association and Barb Lamb of The Apple Cart Company for this 2 hour training. Free registration is required. You will receive an email with a link to join the Zoom meeting.
https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTUzMTI0

National Farmers Market Week
2022-08-07 - 2022-08-13
Celebrate farmers markets all week! August 7 – 13, 2022

The Risk and Liability of Running a Farmers Market
2022-10-12 15:00 - 17:00 | ONLINE
The Risk and Liability of Running a Farmers Market
October 12, 2022 at 3pm, Via Zoom
Is your farmers market prepared for an emergency or accident? Does your insurance policy cover what it needs to cover? Do you know how to document an incident? In this webinar, Katie Atkinson of New Oak Insurance will help you answer these questions. She will discuss the potential big issues to look out for and how to conduct an annual checkup. She will also share the questions to ask your insurance agent to make sure your market or vendor business is fully covered.
The answers to these questions may be different whether your market:

is on public property versus private property
uses volunteer or paid staff
is a non-profit, government or private organization

Join us October 12, 2022 at 3pm via Zoom to ensure that you are taking the necessary precautions.
Free Registration Required

2022 VAFMA Member Meeting & Board Election
2022-11-09 10:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE
VAFMA Member Meeting 2022November 9, 2022, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMVAFMA members onlyAll members of the Virginia Farmers Market Association are invited to the 2022 VAFMA Member Meeting and Board Election. During this online meeting, we will review 2022 and share our plans for 2023 and beyond.Members will hear from and vote on VAFMA board nominees. We will facilitate an open discussion about the opportunities and challenges markets and vendors encountered in 2022. We will also ask for feedback on what VAFMA can do for members in 2023. We encourage all VAFMA members to attend. The more involved you are, the better VAFMA will be.10:00 – 10:30 – VAFMA Board Election10:30 – 11:15 – VAFMA in 2022 and 202311:15-12:00 – Facilitated and Open Member Conversation

2023 Virginia Farmers Market Conference
2023-01-18 09:30 - 14:30 | ONLINE
Virginia Farmers Market Conference (online)
January 18, 2023, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Focus will be on Social Media Marketing & Food Access
More info coming soon

Market Manager Certification Course Begins - 14 weeks
2023-01-27 10:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE
The Virginia Farmers Market Association (VAFMA) is pleased to offer a 14-week interactive, engaging, student-centered learning experience addressing real-world market issues.
More Details Here

Senior Farmer's Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) Expansion
2023-03-03 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE
Farmer’s Market Managers:
Please attend the virtual Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) expansion Information Session on Friday, March 3rd from 1-2pm.
2023 brings new opportunities to expand this program throughout the Commonwealth, and we need your help.
Find out how your farmer’s market and vendors can support low-income older adults!
Use the Zoom link or phone numbers below:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83638520890
Meeting ID: 836 3852 0890
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Meeting ID: 836 3852 0890
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdrJltiS41

Virginia Farmers Market Food Safety Summit
2023-03-17 09:30 - 16:00 | ONLINE
During this Food Safety Summit, VAFMA will bring together representatives from Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Department of Health and Virginia Cooperative Extension to walk you through the requirements and answer your questions.
Join us to make sure you are up-to-date on the state’s regulations:

Virginia Farmers Market Food Safety Summit

Shenandoah VAFMA Region Meeting (Virtual)
2023-04-12 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
Hello Shenandoah Market Managers and Food System Leaders!
Well as you all are very aware the busiest time of year is either already here or ramping up. This is a critical time to connect and network with other Market Managers and Food System Leaders in our region. Sharing our ideas, challenges, and support can be incredibly rewarding as we enter this phase in the season.

I have scheduled a meeting date on Wednesday April 12th from 12pm-1pm.

If you cannot make this date, have no fear, we will hopefully have these meetings every couple months and can catch you on the next one!

If you are also interested in Virginia Fresh Match or a Virginia Fresh Match Partner Outlet please attend this meeting.

My goal for this meeting is to provide some updates and information, but mostly make space to connect and learn about other markets in the region.

Here is the link to attend the meeting, feel free to also call in at the number listed.

Shenandoah Regional Call (VAFMA)
Wednesday, April 12 · 12:00 – 1:00pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ytq-nfbh-row
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 551-444-6769‬ PIN: ‪765 817 710‬#

Looking forward to seeing you all virtually in a few weeks!

Megan Marshall (she/her)
Director of Food Access, Project GROWS
VAFMA Shenandoah Regional Director
Shenandoah Regional Lead, Virginia Fresh Match

Central Region VAFMA Meeting (in person)
2023-04-19 13:00 - 15:00
There will be a VAFMA Central Region meeting on April 19, 2023 at 1pm at 4257 Aiken Drive Suite H, Warrenton, Va
Please RSVP to Erin Mann.

Capital Region VAFMA Meeting (virtual)
2023-04-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-07-24 10:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE
VAFMA’s Capital Region group is meeting quarterly. Coordinated by Stephanie Ganz, VAFMA’s Capital Region Director. If you’re not receiving updates on these meetings, please contact us and we will add you to the regional list.
The next scheduled meetings are April 24, July 24, and October 23. All at 10am via Zoom.

Webinar: More Money From Your Markets
2023-05-11 17:00 - 18:00 | ONLINE
More Money From Your Markets
May 11, 2023, 5pm-6pm Via Zoom
You work hard to prepare for your markets, so let’s make sure you have the best sales possible. In this webinar, you will learn how to increase traffic to your booth, convert market guests into paying customers and keep them coming back week after week.
You will also learn how to track sales and expenses, use newsletters to communicate with customers and spotlight the best product in your business … YOU!
About Our Speaker:
Kelly Shepherd is the co-owner of What The Farm, a regenerative farm that specializes in chicken, pork, lamb and beef in Virginia Beach, VA. With a background in business coaching, her primary focus is helping farmers and market vendors achieve profitability through agritourism, education and subscription based sales. Kelly believes that the only way to grow the sustainable farmers market movement is to make it a win/win for both vendors and consumers.
A recording will be available for registrants.
Registration

Blue Ridge Region VAFMA Meeting (in person)
2023-05-16 11:00 - 13:00 | LEAP, 1027 Patterson Ave, Roanoke, VA, 24016, United States
The next Blue Ridge Regional meeting will be in person on Tuesday, May 16th from 11am – 1pm at 1210 Patterson Ave., Roanoke, VA 24016 in the Community Room. Please let me know whether or not you will be able to attend. Agenda to follow.

VAFMA Blue Ridge Regional Director:
Deborah Edwards, Director
Blacksburg Farmer’s Market
Contact us to let us know you can attend.

National Farmers Market Week
2023-08-06 - 2023-08-12
August 6 – 12, 2023 is National Farmers Market Week! It is during this week each year that organizations across the state and the country celebrate farmers markets and their significant contributions to their communities.
In Virginia, the celebration is coordinated by the Virginia Farmers Market Association (VAFMA) and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS).

VAFMA Blue Ridge Regional Meeting (in person)
2023-08-24 09:30 - 11:30
The next VAFMA Blue Ridge Regional meeting is on August 24th from 9:30am – 11:30am at 1210 Patterson Ave. SW, Roanoke. Please contact Debbie Edwards for more details.

Webinar: Creating Great Social Media Content for Your Market
2023-10-11 10:00 - 11:00 | ONLINE
Creating Great Social Media Content for Your Market
Do you need more ideas for what to post on social media? Do you wish you could reach more market shoppers online?
Markia Baker and Navi Johnson of NM Legaci Marketing can help! In our next webinar, they will discuss what makes for great content. They’ll share examples and give practical advice that you can use right away.
They will also walk you through how to create an Instagram reel and offer ideas for making them more engaging.
Join us October 11, 2023 from 10am – 11am via Zoom.
Free registration
