The second annual Come to the Table: Local Food Summit of Producers & Purchasers will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Johnson County Extension office, 3109 Old Highway 218 S. in Iowa City.

The event aims to expand the local food market by bringing together producers and food buyers.

“Consumers are demanding local foods wherever food is served – at their grocery stores, restaurants, and even at catered events,” Jason Grimm, food system planner from Iowa Valley Resource Conservation & Development, stated in a press release. “This year’s event strives to make it easy for food buyers to connect with local food producers in order to meet that strong and growing demand.”

This year’s panel of local food businesses and representatives will discuss the many different ways to find, sell and buy local food in the area.

Panelists include:

Andy Dunham, Grinnell Heritage Farm
Dave Burt, Red Avocado Restaurant
Kelly Crossley, Solon School District
Rob Marqusee, Woodbury County Rural Economic Development
Jesse Singerman, Iowa Valley Food Coop
Ryan Jepsen – Grass Run Farms

The summit will feature formal networking opportunities for buyers and producers.

Following lunch, participants will be invited to participate in one of 4 workshops. Workshops will be on: GAP certification programs and opportunities, cost of production and procurement, approaching annual budgets to purchase local food and menu and crop planning for farmers and buyers.

The event is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – Lunch with pre-paid order

To register, visit http://cometothetable2012.eventbrite.com/

Hosted by the Iowa Food And Agriculture Coalition