Local Foodies, Mark Your Calendars!

The Local Foods Network annual conference at UNL's East Campus Union, Thursday, July 9, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is open to anyone interested in local food production or consumption. Registration is $15 per person ($20 after July 3) and includes morning snacks, a delicious local foods luncheon catered by UNL's Good Fresh Local program, and a great lineup of presentations. Booths of participating network partners will display a wide array of programs, products, and literature. To register visit cariregistration.unl.edu

The agenda is packed with powerful speakers actively involved in the local foods movement. Diana Endicott, farm-to-market coordinator with Good Natured Family Farms near Kansas City, will speak about how they have achieved distribution of local foods into grocery stores and restaurants. A panel of Nebraska producers will share their trials and successes in local foods production, marketing, and distribution. Panelists will include Marv Fritz of Garden Fresh Vegetables in O'Neill; Andy and Tannie Daniels of Andy's Candy Corn in Columbus; and Terry Landes of Prairieland Dairy in Firth. Judy Gilliard, host of the "Judy a la Carte" show on KFOR 1240 Radio in Lincoln and a strong supporter of local foods, will give a motivational talk.

A special treat is in store for conference guests when an open forum discussion will be facilitated with Jenny Montoya-Tansey of the Obama Administration -- USDA Rural Development. Finally, John Ikerd, professor emeritus of agricultural economics with the University of Missouri, will give a dynamic talk on local foods sustainability and proftability. For more information, contact Kayla Churchill.