Food Products & Processing Systems in Virginia
Virginia's Food Products & Processing Systems pathway prepares students for careers in food production, processing, quality assurance, and food science—sectors that add significant value to Virginia's agricultural products. This pathway integrates agricultural science, food technology, and food safety management.
Students study food science principles, food safety regulations, processing technology, product development, and quality control. They work in test kitchens, processing facilities, and food laboratories, learning food preservation, product formulation, and regulatory compliance through hands-on projects.
Graduates work as food safety specialists, processing technicians, quality assurance managers, food product developers, or food service managers. Virginia's seafood processing, meat processing, and specialty food sectors offer diverse opportunities. Advanced students pursue food science at Virginia Tech.
Food Products & Processing Systems at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's food processing standards align with federal food safety regulations (FDA, USDA) and Virginia Department of Health requirements. Standards emphasize HACCP principles, allergen management, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
Students complete food safety certifications and demonstrate competency through food processing projects, quality control assessments, and regulatory compliance documentation. The state partners with food industry associations and processors.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Food Science Foundations |
| Food Safety and Sanitation |
| Food Processing and Production |
| Quality Control and Product Development |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Certified Landscape Technician
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour General Industry
- ✓First Aid/CPR/AED
- ✓NOCTI Agriculture Mechanics
- ✓NOCTI Agricultural Production
- ✓ServSafe Food Handler
- ✓ServSafe Manager
- ✓Certified Veterinary Assistant
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Food Safety Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $44,090 - $60,730
Processing Plant Supervisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $77,790 - $174,120
Quality Assurance Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $39,700 - $60,660
Food Product Developer
ExperiencedSalary range: $105,550 - $168,570
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students work at food processing facilities, seafood processing plants, meat processing operations, and commercial kitchens throughout Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in National FFA Organization, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
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