In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Rural Affairs, the Cities of Quinte West and Belleville will host the conference at the Travelodge in Belleville on November 4 & 5 with the theme Creativity+Collaboration=Action. Here are three reasons for members of the local food industry to get involved with the conference, and get excited about what to expect this fall.
1) Industry Growth.
With the popularity of eating and shopping locally as well as culinary tourism, there are more and more organizations and businesses recognizing the power of local food in their communities. This year’s theme celebrates the creativity of local food businesses, organizations, and other supporters of the local food economy all using creative methods to work together to build a thriving sustainable local food system in Eastern Ontario.
2) Opening Doors.
The conference will provide opportunities for information sharing, learning from success stories and gathering information on innovative local food businesses, projects and best practices for those in Eastern Ontario and beyond.
“The conference is designed to open dialogue and build stronger relationships among local food groups,” explains Karen Poste, Manager of Economic and Strategic Initiatives, City of Belleville.
3) Field Trips.
The program includes a Local Food Tour on November 4, with various stops in the area to illustrate and celebrate success in the agriculture and culinary sectors. Diana McPherson of Grills Orchard in Quinte West is proud to be involved again this year and will host the group at one of the stops on the tour. “As both a past presenter and attendee at previous Eastern Ontario Local Food Conferences, I definitely see the value in participating and learning how to tap into and benefit from a thriving local food sector.” she said.
Keep watching for details at www.eastontlocalfood.ca, follow the conference on twitter @eolocalfood or like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eastontlocalfood to keep up to date on initiatives leading up to the conference.
