We are farmers markets, on-farm markets, market managers, farmers, and consumers.
The West Virginia Farmers Market Association was formed in 2007 as a statewide farmers market association. Its goal is to strengthen the viability of farmers markets across the state by fostering cooperation among members and service providers in problem-solving, identification and adoption of best practices, and working towards policy or regulatory improvements. In 2011, there are 30 WVFMA member markets, which is 37.5% of the approximately 80 known farm markets in West Virginia. WVFMA’s achievements include providing four different daylong trainings for farmers markets, providing a web site of resources (www.wvfarmers.org) including web pages for member markets, updating the state’s most comprehensive “Farmers Market Census” for USDA, and collaborating with the WV Department of Health and Human Resources to improve and clarify market food safety guidelines. WVFMA operates a chapter of the Buy Fresh Buy Local program (a national project of FoodRoutes), and this initiative provides branding and marketing for member organizations while connecting consumers to local food.
Our goals:
- share resources
- coordinate issues related to WV farmers markets
- promote activities that help establish, operate, and expand WV farmers markets
Select projects:
Webpage for each market member
2013 West Virginia Farmers Market Census
Annual Winter Blues Farmers Market
Input to Farmers Market Vendor Guide on food safety
Buy Fresh Buy Local WV® Chapter educates consumers about the benefits of eating locally.
