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VIRGINIA: Call Secretary of Ag to Keep Farmers Markets Open!

By Alexia Kulwiec | March 20, 2020

Farmers Markets

Virginians: Keep Farmers Markets Open

As you may know, the State of Virginia has declared a state of emergency in response to COVID 19. We have heard reports of uncertainty regarding how this affects the operations of farmers markets. The Virginia Farmers’ Market Association (VAFMA) reminds us that,

“Like grocery stores and other food retail outlets, farmers markets serve an essential function as a vital source of fresh fruits and vegetables and food staples for our community. Compared to most grocery stores, farmers market produce has a much shorter supply chain and minimal handling from field to market, and the outdoor, open-air setting of farmers markets offers optimal ventilation and sunlight for shopping in an unconfined space. Farmers markets provide direct access to healthy, nutritious foods, while also supporting the livelihoods of local farmers, food makers, and chefs.”

Please see below for more details on how to take action if you’re in Virginia.

Take Action

If you’re a Virginia resident, contact the Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Bettina Ring, and urge her to equate Virginia Farmers Markets with grocery stores and other retail outlets for the purposes of COVID19 containment policies.

A phone call is much more effective than an email. And remember to keep the conversation polite and to-the-point.

Secretary Bettina Ring
(804) 692-2511
[email protected]

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Services provided by FTCLDF go beyond legal representation for members in court cases.

Educational and policy work also provide an avenue for FTCLDF to build grassroots activism to create the most favorable regulatory climate possible. In addition to advising on bill language, FTCLDF supports favorable legislation via action alerts and social media outreach.

You can protect access to real foods from small farms by becoming a member or donating today.

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This article can be found in: Food Rights News, State Laws and Regulations, State News This article is related to: Action Alerts, food freedom, food rights, food safety, legislation, state legislation, Virginia

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Defending the rights and broadening the freedoms of family farms and protecting consumer access to raw milk and nutrient dense foods. Copyright © 2007-2025 · For more information: email: [email protected] · Phone: (703) 208-FARM (3276) · Falls Church, VA Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) The content of this website is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be nor should it be construed as either a legal opinion or as legal advice. Articles posted here do not necessarily represent the views or the position of the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund.