2020 ARIZONA FOOD & FARM FORUM HEADS TO SOUTH PHOENIX
Over 200 food entrepreneurs and advocates to discuss Arizona’s agricultural future
Phoenix, AZ — The 7th Annual Arizona Food & Farm Forum will be held at the Corona Ranch & Rodeo Grounds on April 28 & 29, 2020, in Laveen, AZ. The Arizona Food & Farm Forum is a two-day conference for farmers, food entrepreneurs, and local food advocates to unite and strengthen relationships for collaboration, develop new skills, and implement strategies that improve the way our desert state feeds itself.
“Phoenix is committed to achieving a healthy, sustainable, equitable, and thriving food system and has recently completed a 2025 Food Action Plan that includes various strategies and actions that address food insecurity, urban agriculture, land use, job creation, and the contribution of the entire food system to our local economy,” said City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.
She added, “We are excited to host the Arizona Food & Farm Forum in South Phoenix to showcase the rich agricultural history of the area, its assets, and value to the development of a resilient food system for future generations.”
This year’s Forum will feature a bus tour of local farms, technical assistance workshops, planning sessions, and networking opportunities to grow our local food network.
Keynote speakers include Nephi Craig, Founder of the Native American Culinary Association, Lilian Hill, Executive Director of the Hopi Tutskwa Permaculture Institute and Sara Dolan, Owner of Blue Sky Organic Farms.
“From strategizing local opportunities for farmland conservation to exploring food as medicine, the 2020 agenda is focused on ensuring Arizona can thrive as a delicious and nutritious place to live,” said Kate Radosevic, Local First Arizona Food & Farm Initiatives Manager.
This year’s theme of “Celebrating Heritage and Planning for the Future” is programmed into three tracks:
Planning for the Future is centered around policy and systemic changes, including strategy sessions on Agriculture Workforce Development, Urban Farmland Conservation, and Funding Community Food Systems.
Indigenous Foodways will provide a space for tribal members and allies to explore Decolonization Through Food, learn from the American Indian Farmers’ Panel, and explore Food as Medicine.
Growing a Food Business will offer technical assistance in Building Your Brand; Protecting Yourself & Your Workers in a Hotter, Drier Climate; and Strategies for Diversifying Farm Revenue Streams.
Ticket Pricing
• Early Bird (through March 15): 2-Days $69, 1-Day: $49
• Full Price (beginning March 16): 2-Days $99, 1-Day: $59
• Young Farmers, Ranchers, & Students: 2-Days $40, 1-Day: $20
Schedule, speakers, sponsorship opportunities and additional information are available at GoodFoodFinder.com/forum Local First Arizona Members to receive 10% off all ticket types with code “LOCALFIRST”. Details on scholarships for Tribal Members will be available soon.
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ABOUT GOOD FOOD FINDER
Good Food Finder AZ is an online resource of Local First Arizona focused on providing resources and support to Arizona’s food industry professionals and local food consumers. Each year, Good Food Finder AZ hosts two events: the Arizona Food & Farm Forum and the Arizona Good Food Expo. Both events strive to convene leaders of the local food movement to foster new business connections, strengthen industry networks, and bolster the Arizona food system. GFF is an online resource hub for farmers, food producers, restaurants, and food buyers. Eat, grow, and discover local food in Arizona. Visit: goodfoodfinderaz.com
ABOUT LOCAL FIRST ARIZONA
Founded in 2003 by Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona (LFA) is a community and economic development organization working to strengthen local economies. LFA educates consumers about the interconnectedness of the economy, trains small businesses to be more effective and more competitive, helps larger Arizona businesses and institutions tell their story as champions of Arizona, and creates programs and events that make it fun and easy to discover local businesses and buy local. Visit www.localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of more than 3,000 locally owned businesses.