Become a Virginia Certified Farmers Market
The Virginia Certified Farmers Market Program recognizes markets in the state that are meeting and exceeding best practices. This is a way for markets to distinguish themselves to consumers, vendors, and their communities.
When consumers shop a Virginia Certified Farmers Market, they can trust that the market is a safe, welcoming, and transparent source of local food. Not only is certification a message to shoppers that the market is striving to keep them safe, but it also lets vendors know that the market takes promotion and outreach to new shoppers seriously.
Certification comes in 3 levels — Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level is based on a simple point system that covers categories such as food safety, continuing education, and public safety. The more points that a market has the higher the level of certification with gold being at the top.
The standards of the program were developed by an advisory committee made-up of market managers, state agency and university staff. VAFMA will be providing training and resources to assist markets to achieve the standards in each certification area.
The program is open to all Virginia farmers markets. We invite market owners and managers to email us to schedule an application review. Applicants can prepare by reviewing the certification standards, which includes the proof needed for each standard. Proof can be submitted after the application review appointment, if more time is needed. Applicants will receive a checklist of proof to submit at the application review.
Market Certification: $99 for VAFMA members and $145 for non-members
Application Deadline: Market certification runs from April to April each year. Applications for 2026 are now open. To apply please email marketcertification@gmail.com to schedule an application review. These occur over zoom and take about an hour to complete. Deadline for submission of documentation will be March 16, 2026. Certified markets will be publicly announced by VAFMA in early April.
View the levels and standards: Become a Virginia Certified Farmers Market
Schedule Your Certification Application Appointment
Ready to apply to become a Virginia Certified Farmers Market?
The next step is to schedule a one-hour application appointment. During this Zoom meeting, we’ll walk through the application together and make sure everything is completed accurately and efficiently.
Here’s how it works:
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Choose a one-hour time slot that works for you.
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You’ll automatically receive a Zoom link for your selected time.
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During the call, we’ll complete the application together.
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After your appointment, you’ll have until April 10 to email all required proof documentation.
If none of the available times work for your schedule, please email Kim Hutchinson (kim.hutchinson@vafma.org) directly to arrange an alternate meeting time.