Objective(s):
The emphasis on food security and food systems continues to play an important role in the discussion of local foods. Through this interactive workshop, participants will 1) be exposed to a balanced discussion of the term “local”, 2) become familiar with challenges and successes of other regions, 3) strengthen and establish collaborations, and 4) identify opportunities for ASHS and its stakeholders to close resource gaps through research, extension, and teaching infrastructure. Invited presentations and facilitated panel discussions will allow for open dialogue focused on local food systems and their supporting infrastructure. The workshop will explore the roles of various partners in local food systems including: community planners and planning agencies, non-profit organizations, and horticulturists and other University, Extension, and Experiment Station personnel. Specific issues to be covered include, but are not limited to, academia's role in local food systems, food safety, views from urban farmers, and trends in local foods.

The emphasis on food security and food systems continues to play an important role in the discussion of local foods. Through this interactive workshop, participants will 1) be exposed to a balanced discussion of the term “local”, 2) become familiar with challenges and successes of other regions, 3) strengthen and establish collaborations, and 4) identify opportunities for ASHS and its stakeholders to close resource gaps through research, extension, and teaching infrastructure. Invited presentations and facilitated panel discussions will allow for open dialogue focused on local food systems and their supporting infrastructure. The workshop will explore the roles of various partners in local food systems including: community planners and planning agencies, non-profit organizations, and horticulturists and other University, Extension, and Experiment Station personnel. Specific issues to be covered include, but are not limited to, academia's role in local food systems, food safety, views from urban farmers, and trends in local foods.