Northeast Iowa RC&D, NICC, The Depot Outlet, and the Northeast Iowa Tourism Association are partnering to put on this great conference to help advance local foods in Northeast Iowa.
Speakers will help producers maximize their selling options, communities maximize the economic benefits of their farmers markets, economic development and chamber directors be better able to aid new local food businesses, and market managers understand how to make the most of their markets. Attendees will have a chance to learn from others, network and make business connections.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Chris Blanchard
Value and Scale in the Local Foods Marketplace - Chris understands that balancing the reasons we choose to farm with the economic realities of the modern food system can challenge even the most experienced grower. He has seen many beginning growers wash up on the rocks of scaling-up. He has also worked with local growers that have questions about size and values that create conflict within the local foods movement. Blanchard will discuss how we can root our growth in good business, while not losing sight of the fertile values in which that growth occurs.
The conference is targeted to local food producers, farmers market vendors, farmers market managers and economic development, chamber and tourism directors.
More information: Local Food & Farmers Market Summit
Registration: Link to register at NICC