With the danger of foodborne illnesses and the potential for litigation, farmers market managers and vendors should pay close attention to State and local health department rules and use some common sense practices. For the past few years, Virginia Cooperative Extension and VDACS have been cooperatively working to train small farmers in implementing [...]

by Wythe Morris, ANR Agent (retired) Although the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was passed and signed into law on January 4, 2011, the new program will take several years to roll out; even longer to become fully effective. Direct Marketers have asked many questions as to how this will [...]

by Publication #FDNS-E-168-11. J.A. Harrison, J.W. Gaskin, M.A. This Farmers Market Self-Help form will identify areas in your operation that will help you minimize risk.  

02/01/2012 by Harrison, Gaskin, Harrison, Canson, Boyer, et.al Farmers markets are gaining in popularity. Product freshness, improved flavor, being able to meet the person who grew the food, helping local farmers and even enjoying the social atmosphere are reasons consumers say they shop at farmers markets. Regardless of the reasons, [...]

01/01/2014 by VDACS & Martha A. Walker, VACoop Extension Virgnia Farmers sell their produce through many venues including on-farm sales, farm stands, and farmers' markets. Wherever the produce is sold, it must be sold by weight, count, head/bunch, or dry measure. If the produce is sold by weight, the produce [...]