Market Manager Certification Course Begins - 14 weeks
2023-01-27 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | 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, 2023-10-23 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

Blue Ridge Region VAFMA Meeting (In Person)
2023-10-26 10:00 - 12:00
The next Blue Ridge Region VAFMA Meeting will be on Thursday, October 26th from 10am – 12pm at 1027 Patterson Ave. SW, Roanoke, VA. Contact Debbie Edwards for more information.

VAFMA Membership Meeting
2023-11-08 10:00 - 12:00 | ONLINE
VAFMA’s 2023 Membership Meeting & Board Election will be November 8th from 10am to 12pm via Zoom. This is a members-only meeting.
During this online meeting, we will review 2023 and share our plans for 2024 and beyond — including the Virginia Certified Farmers Market Program, Market Manager Certification 201 and more!

Steal This Idea - Farmers Market Promotion
2023-12-06 12:00 - 13:00 | ONLINE
Webinar, December 6, 2023 12pm-1pm EST
Markia Baker and Navi Johnson are back! These savvy social media marketers from NM Legaci Marketing & the RVA Black Farmers Market have loads of social media and newsletter examples to share with you. Join us, get inspired and “steal” some ideas.
Registration. You will receive email reminders.

Market Manager Certification Course
2024-01-26 - 2024-04-26 | 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.
Program participants who complete the full curriculum requirements will receive a signed certificate and will have earned the title of Certified Market Manager.
Online sessions Fridays 10:00 AM-12:00 noon January 26 – April 26, 2024
More Information

VAFMA Blue Ridge Regional Meeting
2024-02-29 10:00 - 12:00
The next Blue Region meeting will be on February 29th from 10am – 12pm at 1027 Patterson Ave, Roanoke, Va. If you have a particular topic you would like to discuss, please contact us.

VAFMA Coastal Region Meeting
2024-03-28 13:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE
March 28th, 1pm – 2pm, via Zoom
The next VAFMA Coastal Region Meeting is March 28th from 1pm – 2pm online. If you aren’t already receiving Coastal Region updates, please contact us.

Virginia Farmers Market Food Safety Summit
2024-04-04 09:00 - 2024-04-11 12:00
April 4, 9 & 11, 9am-12pm EST
An online summit for market managers & food vendors covering the ins and outs of food safety requirements in Virginia
More info: https://vafma.org/food-safety-summit/

Getting Started with the Anti-Racism Toolkit
2024-04-23 12:00 - 14:00 | ONLINE
Interactive webinar about the Anti-Racism toolkit, a resource designed to aid in the development of racial consciousness leading to anti- racist action.

Working with the Homeless & Conflict Resolution
2024-05-22 11:00 - 12:30 | ONLINE
Pre-recorded webinar sharing best practices for de-escalation and navigating relationships with homeless community members

VAFMA Blue Ridge Meeting
2024-06-12 09:00 - 10:00 | LEAP, 1027 Patterson Ave, Roanoke, VA, 24016, United States
The next VAFMA Blue Ridge meeting will be at 9am on Wednesday, June 12th at 1027 Patterson Ave., Roanoke, VA. If you have any items you would like to have included on the agenda, please let us know.

Press Event: Virginia Certified Farmers Markets
2024-06-15 10:00 - 11:00 | RVA Big Market, 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA, 23227
Please join us to learn more about the Virginia Certified Farmers Market System on June 15, 2024 at 10:00 am at the RVA Big Market in Bryan Park in Richmond, VA. We have reserved parking for confirmed attendees to make it easier for you to join us!
The Virginia Certified Farmers Market System is a certification program for farmers markets launched in 2024.

Created by the Virginia Farmers Market Association in partnership with market managers, state agency and university staff.
Examines 11 categories of farmers market management.
19 farmers markets achieved Gold certification status this year.
Press event scheduled for June 15, 2024 10:00 AM EDT at the RVA Big Market in Bryan Park at 4308 Hermitage Rd, Richmond, VA 23227. RSVP requested.
Press Release

Mid-Atlantic Farmers Market Conference
2024-11-13 - 2024-11-15
Join us for your
Passport to Success:
Leveling Up
at the
Mid-Atlantic Farmers Market Conference
brought to you by
Virginia State University Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Farmers Market Association
November 13-15, 2024
Doubletree by Hilton
Richmond-Midlothian
1021 Koger Center Drive
Richmond, VA 23235
More information coming soon!
Email us to join the Conference Committee

VAFMA Member Meeting (online)
2024-12-06 10:00 - 11:30 | ONLINE
VAFMA Members,
We are excited to announce that our annual VAFMA member meeting and board elections will take place on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am via Zoom. This meeting is open to all members in good standing.
During the meeting, we will be conducting our annual board elections. We currently have an open regional board position for the Capital and Northern Virginia (NOVA) regions. Please send us your nominations.
Thank you for your ongoing support of VAFMA. We look forward to seeing you at the member meeting.

2025 Virginia Farmers Market Food Safety Summit (online)
2025-04-28 09:00 - 2025-04-30 12:00 | ONLINE
An online summit for farmers market managers & farmers market food vendors/producers covering food safety requirements in Virginia.
During this annual Food Safety Summit, VAFMA brings together representatives from state agencies to walk you through the requirements and answer your questions. These sessions are recorded and shared with registrants.
April 28-30th, 2025, from 9am – 12pm each day via Zoom.
