Creativity + Collaboration = Action!
Only two weeks left – REGISTER NOW!
The Cities of Belleville and Quinte West, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, are proud to host the 5th Annual Eastern Ontario Local Food Conference on November 4th and 5th.
This year’s conference offers delegates the opportunity to join the Quinte Region Local Food Tour with stops at La Cultura Salumi, Grills Orchards, The Ontario Water Buffalo Company, Maple Dale Cheese, Reid’s Dairy and Donini Chocolate. Following the tour delegates will be treated to a ‘Taste of Quinte’ reception at the Travelodge Belleville, the conference venue.
“The tour will showcase the incredible diversity of food produced in the Quinte Region, and allow delegates to experience food from the farm to the factory. It’s a really unique experience that places local food and food processing into context,” explains conference co-host Angela Bell, Development Research Assistant, Economic Development, City of Belleville.
The tour is a popular component of the conference and space is now limited. Online registration is open at www.eastontlocalfood.ca. Attendees can register for the full conference, including the Quinte Region Local Food Tour and Reception scheduled for Nov. 4th, or just for the conference on the 5th.
The full day conference on November 5th will focus on creative and collaborative opportunities to advance local food as part of our local economies. New to this year’s conference are mini-mentorship sessions with local food business specialists where you can learn more about food processing business development, food safety, small business loans, training, funding and much more.
The conference program begins with keynote speaker, Cory Van Groningen of VG Meats. Cory will share his story, as well as thoughts on how to attract and retain youth in agriculture, develop value chains, foster innovation and promote local food.
Following the keynote, delegates will be energized and inspired in a fast-paced “ignite-style” session where they will hear from 10 local food heroes who will share their successes. Six concurrent afternoon sessions are available to choose from. These sessions will cover successful collaborations, building successful retail-supplier relationships, opportunities in Urban Agriculture, new farmers and programs supporting them, food safety and how to spot emerging market opportunities.
In addition to these great sessions and a full day of networking, delegates will be treated to a Local Food Lunch featuring locally sourced dishes. A Trade show will also be a feature of the conference.
Follow us on Twitter @EOLocalFood and Facebook www.facebook.com/eastontlocalfood
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May 13, 2024
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