2009 Workshop

VAFEP Mission

The purpose of the Virginia Agriculture & Food Entrepreneurship Program (VAFEP) is to support new and existing innovative value-added food processing and food production enterprises and to strengthen agriculture and food economic development opportunities in the Virginia Piedmont region through a series of educational workshops.

The VAFEP presents an excellent strategy for local agriculture and food entrepreneurs to immediately and positively impact the piedmont area economy and regional foodshed by gaining valuable information about important food safety regulations, business planning tools and local food marketing techniques. 

Learning from experts such as local agriculture and food entrepreneurs, professionals at the Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Thomas Jefferson Health District, Virginia Tech, Central Virginia Small Business Development Center and Piedmont Environmental Council will allow new and existing agricultural and food-based business developers to strengthen there knowledge and understanding of these important topics, which will ultimately help generate economic impacts for there businesses and for the local economy.

The direct producer-to-consumer exchange of locally produced food with those who consume it, helps to create local economic development and sustainable community food systems, integrating all members of a community, promoting sustainable agriculture, strengthening our family farms, enhancing socio-economic wellbeing and incubating new generations of farmers. This relationship also connects rural residents with urban dwellers, and unites agricultural lands with non-farming land, in the process, strengthening our communities.

Enhancing our communities through the development of local and regional food systems gives us the ability to strengthen the web that interconnects all aspects and all members of society, thereby creating a more unified community. As a result, we construct an environment that is more economically diverse, environmentally sustainable and socially interconnected.

Day 1 - Food Safety Requirements and Guidance

In the spring of 2009, a series of workshops will be held in Albemarle County that will provide information and training on how to start and operate a food-based business in Virginia. The program aims to increase the quality and quantity of regionally produced food and value-added food products as a means to incorporate sustainable agriculture into our local economy. The curriculum will include the following topics:

  • How to comply with Virginia food processing and food safety regulations
  • Which inspections and certifications are recommended or required for which products
  • When food products need to be analyzed and evaluated
  • How to market and sell locally-made products
  • How to develop business plans and manage bookkeeping
  • Panel discussions featuring successful food producers and retailers looking for locally made foods
  • And more!

The VAFEP will also develop a free downloadable handbook, as well as resources and website links, covering the content of the workshops that will be available through this website.

Food Safety Program Highlights

  • Health Department Regulations
  • Food Safety, Processing and Labeling Regulations
  • Food Product Testing
  • GAPS and HACCP Certification
  • Panel of Experts

Day I- Monday, March 30, 2009

7:45am to 8:45am- Sign-in & registration

8:45am to 9am- Welcome

9:00am to 9:30am- Keynote Address: "Developing an Innovative Food-based Business Model"

Joe Cloud, T&E Meats, Harrisonburg Virginia

9:30am to 10:30am- Health Department Regulations that Govern a Food-based Business

            Archer Campbell, Albemarle County Department of Health

            Jillian Davis, Virginia Cooperative Extension

10:30am to 10:50am- Break

10:50am to 12:30am- Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS) Regulations that Govern a Food-based Business

            John Beers, Paula Vile, and Kate Weakley, VDACS

12:30pm to 1:30pm- Lunch

1:30pm to 2:30pm- Food Entrepreneurship & Product Testing Opportunities

            Joell Eifert, Virginia Tech

2:30pm to 3:30pm- Food Safety & GAPS Certification

            Rob Williams, Virginia Tech

            Tom Smith, VDACS

3:30pm to 3:45pm- Break

3:45pm to 4:45pm- Q&A session with panel of experts from earlier sessions w/ producer experts joining

4:45pm to 5pm- Wrap-up & Adjourn