Local Food Systems Conference
Should be a great event; there's even a great student rate! Here's the announcement...
"On Thursday, March 29th the Food System Economic Partnership [FSEP] is hosting a conference as part of their efforts to build a better food system in southeastern Michigan. The conference will run from 8:15 a.m. through 3:15 p.m. and will take place at the Washtenaw Community College, Morris Lawrence Building in Ann Arbor.
Participants will gain an understanding of the local food system and explore opportunities for growth in production, processing, distribution, sales, and consumption of local foods.
Michael Potter, CEO of Eden Foods, will present the keynote address and discuss how his company has developed a network of family farms, suppliers and business relationships dedicated to providing foods to meet consumer needs. A panel discussion will be held after lunch with area grocers on Challenges and Opportunities in Providing Consumers with Local Food. Participants will also be able to choose three sessions to attend from the following twelve sessions that will be offered:
Food Service Goes Local
The Farmers’ Market Connection
Youth Farm Stand Project
Launching a New Product
Hoop Houses for Year-Round Local Food Production in Michigan
Home Grown Health
Local Chef Goes Slow
Business Plans: Key to Success
FSEP Research at Work
Farm to School: Local Food for School Meals
Healthy Traditions Network
Going Organic
Early registration with payment postmarked by March 19th is $20.00 per person. Late registration by phone (734) 240-3180 is $30.00, payable at the door. The registration rate for full-time students is $20.00 and requires phone pre-registration and payment at the door with a student ID.
Registration brochures with complete details are available on line at FSEP Michigan Homepage. The Food System Economic Partnership is a collaborative, non-profit organization serving Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties."