VDACS Creates The Specialty Food Advisory Committee
News Date October 09, 2007
Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Todd P. Haymore recently created a Specialty Food Advisory Committee (SFAV). He also appointed 11 members to serve on the Committee. The group, which will work with and advise VDACS on the marketing and promotion of Virginia's specialty food industry, held its first meeting September 19, 2007.
The Advisory Committee is composed of eleven voting members who are knowledgeable about specialty food issues in Virginia. Members represent retailers, the Food Science Department at Virginia Tech, and specialty food processors. One member is an at-large member who is an advocate for the specialty food industry. Members will advise VDACS regarding specialty food programs and will assist VDACS' Division of Marketing in the growth of the Specialty Food Industry in Virginia. The Committee also will plan an annual educational conference with the support of the Virginia Food and Beverage Association.
The Committee will meet at least three times annually. It has two standing subcommittees. The Conference Committee will plan and execute an annual educational conference, recall workshops, safety workshops, and other educational opportunities. The Communication Committee is charged with communicating to the Specialty Food Industry the programs and development of the industry. The committee will develop a scholarship program for one Virginia Tech student each year to write and produce a quarterly newsletter for the industry.
For more information on the Specialty Food Advisory Committee, contact Chair Willis Logan at (434) 985-2834 or wlogan@vawineclub.com or contact VDACS' Division of Marketing at (804) 786-3530.