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A
hallmark of INCA is the annual conference held each winter in
different locations around the state. Each conference is a
wonderful opportunity to learn about local & sustainable food systems.
Topics covered run the gamut from growing, to processing, to sourcing, to purchasing, to public policy. Each
conference has an over-arching theme with presenters, discussion points,
and break-out sessions co-developed with the local conference host
committee. Most of all, the annual conference provides
opportunities to network with other concerned producers & consumers and
share an always tasty and eclectic potluck lunch that all attendees
contribute to! Use the list to the left to get
info on several past year's conferences.
March 13, 2010
9:00am to 3:00pm
Town/Craft Center, 1122 Willis Avenue, Perry, IA 50220.
INCA hosted
“Growing Our Roots”
gathering, potluck and annual membership meeting
The Gathering was free and open to the public. Memberships
were not required but available for $35.
INCA has
traditionally used its annual local food conference as a
planning tool to encourage the development of an area’s local
food system.
This year’s smaller gathering kicked off a full year of
planning for the 2011 Local Food Conference to be held in Perry.
Members from across Iowa and participants in the Growing Food
and Profit groups were encouraged to take this opportunity to
reconnect with the INCA community and share ideas in a community
mapping session.
Workshops and presenters included:
“Making Poultry Pay”
by Tai Johnson-Spratt, Foxhollow Poultry Farms, Elkhart, IA
“Grow Your Farmers’ Market”
by Kelly Foss, director of special events, Downtown Farmers’
Market, Des Moines, IA
“Profitability for Farm to Market”
by Matt Russell, Coyote Run Farm, Lacona, IA and State Food
Policy Project Coordinator at Drake Agricultural Law Center
“Planning the 2011 Local Food Conference”
by Ryan Marquardt, Wild Rose Pastures, Reasnor, IA.
The Gathering
featured a traditional potluck meal at noon.
Participants were encouraged to bring a dish featuring local and
sustainably produced foods to share and their own table service.
Apple cider from Deal’s Orchard, Jefferson and homemade
ice-cream from Picket Fence Dairy at Woodward was provided.
The Membership’s annual meeting and election of officers will
immediately follow lunch.
For more information, please contact Ryan
Marquardt, INCA Board chairman at 641-793-2444
or inca.community@gmail.com.
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