Support farmers markets through education initiatives, while building opportunities for collaboration, networking, advocacy, and innovation that supports the growth and sustainability of farmers markets statewide.
Virginia Fresh Match (VFM) is a network of farmers markets and food stores across Virginia that offer nutrition incentives. VFM nutrition incentives double the value of federal nutrition benefits like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food stamps) spent at participating farmers markets and food stores. With Virginia Fresh Match, low-income consumers can afford additional healthy food, local farmers gain new customers and make more money, and more food dollars stay in the local economy.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services created this website to support Virginia Farmers Market vendors, consumers, & managers. This site offers a large variety of resources on many topics, including how to sell at a farmers market, business management, marketing, insurance, & so much more.
The Virginia Tech Food Innovations Program works closely with VDACS and the Virginia Cooperative Extension to monitor and regulate food safety requirements. Many of these apply to farmers markets. Check out the resources link on the page to see if this applies to you and your products.
The Virginia Cooperative Extension site offers a wealth of knowledge in all areas of agriculture and food production. The publications and free resources available on this site support all aspects of the farmers market, food safety, food production, and more.