This multi-state event, to be held April 3-4 at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel in Asheville, North Carolina, will focus on how Appalachian communities can expand the role that food assets and sustainable agriculture play in local economic development to increase employment opportunities, spark entrepreneurial ventures, and build local wealth.

The forum will provide an opportunity for community leaders; economic development officials; farmers; food producers, processors, and distributors; and public and private funding partners to share ideas and learn practical ways to expand their local food economy.

Forum participants will hear from practitioners and experts on topics including:

the economic and community benefits from supporting local food systems;
why the “local food” economic development approach is particularly useful for Appalachian communities;
how to take advantage of innovative models of capital and credit that support local food economies; and
how to develop and encourage a “buy local” community mindset.

The registration fee is $75.00 and includes optional local food and farm tours immediately following the forum on Wednesday, April 4.

Register soon! Space is limited. Visit http://www.arc.gov/localfood

to register and to get detailed information on the agenda, lodging, and more.

Questions regarding the forum? Contact ARC at conferences@arc.gov or 202.884.7700.

If you’d like to write a check, you should make it out to Grand Aspirations with “Pioneer Valley” in the memo line and ask Evan where to send it.