Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Come to the Table: Local Food Summit for Producers & Purchasers

Date: Friday, February 10th, 2012

Start: 9:00 am End: 4:00 pm

Location: Johnson County ISU Extension, 3109 Old Highway 218 S. Iowa City, Iowa

Contact: Jason Grimm, Iowa Valley RC&D, (319) 622-3264, Jason@ivrcd.org

The summit, now in its second year, will feature formal networking opportunities for buyers and producers. Producers will be provided a table and placard and buyers will be able to rotate around the room to meet farmers and food entrepreneurs one on one. The second half of the networking sessions will include buyers getting the chance to meet with groups of potential local food vendors.

A panel of local food businesses and representatives will showcase the many different ways to find, sell and buy local food in the area. Panelists include:  

  • Andy Dunham  - Grinnell Heritage Farm
  • Dave Burt – Red Avocado Restaurant
  • Kelly Crossley – Solon School District
  • Rob Marqusee – Woodbury County Rural Economic Development
  • Jesse Singerman - Iowa Valley Food Coop
  • Ryan Jepsen – Grass Run Farms

Following lunch, participants will be invited to participate in one of four workshops. Workshops will be on GAP Certification Programs and Opportunities, Cost of Production and Procurement, Approaching Your Annual Budget to Purchase Local Food, and Menu and Crop planning for Farmers and Buyers.

The event is hosted by the Iowa Corridor Food & Agriculture Coalition, which received a competitive educational program support grant from the Leopold Center.

Related information

Iowa Corridor Food & Agriculture Coalition website

Online registration (only cost is for lunch)