Through an online portal called MarketMaker, buyers can now experience a virtual marketplace showcasing products from Virginia farms.
MarketMaker, which is at va.foodmarketmaker.com, was established to increase access and acquisition of Virginia products and connect farmers with buyers who want their products. It has been introduced in 21 states since 2004. Virginia Tech spearheaded the effort to bring it to Virginia.
“Virginia Tech has been working on this project for some time,” said Julia Schlosser,Virginia Foundation for Agriculture Innovation and Rural Sustainability project manager. VA FAIRS, an affiliate of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, along with Colonial Farm Credit, Farm Credit of the Virginias, the Virginia Agribusiness Council and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, helped the state gain access to MarketMaker.
“The program has met with success in other states, and it could be a valuable tool to Virginia producers,” Schlosser said.
Meat, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables and wines are all available on MarketMaker. The tool also provides producers with current information on what is selling and for how much.
“The MarketMaker tool will serve as an online marketplace to buy, sell and trade local food and agriculture products to individuals, wholesalers and restaurateurs. Essentially it will provide farm-to-fork access to participants across the food supply chain,” Schlosser said.
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