Virginia Farmers Market Association

The Virginia Farmers Market Association (VAFMA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting farmers markets across the state of Virginia. Its mission focuses on education and creating opportunities to enhance the viability and sustainability of these markets.

Overview

VAFMA partners with various organizations to empower farmers market managers. Notably, it collaborates with the Farmers Market Coalition to help managers collect, analyze, and share data on the impacts of their markets, contributing to the overall development and improvement of local food systems[3].

Programs and Initiatives

• Virginia Certified Farmers Market Program: This program recognizes and certifies farmers markets that adhere to and exceed best practices in areas such as food safety and public safety. Certification levels include Bronze, Silver, and Gold, with each level determined by a point system[1].

• Market Manager Certification Training: VAFMA offers certification training for market managers, covering aspects like market operations and the acceptance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at markets[2].

Impact

By supporting local farmers markets, VAFMA plays a crucial role in:

• Promoting Local Economy: Encourages the sale of local produce, contributing to the local economy.
• Increasing Fresh Food Access: Helps in making fresh, nutritious food more accessible to communities.
• Community Engagement: Facilitates family- and community-oriented activities through farmers markets.

Partnerships

The organization works closely with other entities like the Virginia Department of Social Services to facilitate programs such as Virginia Fresh Match, which provides incentives to SNAP participants, allowing them to purchase more fruits and vegetables[2].