Iowa Network for Community Agriculture (INCA) to host “Growing Our Roots” gathering, potluck and annual membership meeting, March 13, 2010, 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Town/Craft Center, 1122 Willis Avenue, Perry, IA 50220.

The Gathering is free and open to the public. Memberships are not required but will be 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 will kick 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 are encouraged to take this opportunity to reconnect with the INCA community and share ideas in a community mapping session.

Workshops and presenters include:

“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, Des Moines, IA;

“Planning the 2011 Local Food Conference” by Ryan Marquardt, Wild Rose Pastures, Reasnor, IA.

The Gathering will feature a traditional potluck meal at noon. Participants are 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 will be 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-AT-gmail-DOT-com. Reservations are encouraged.

  

Contact:

Chris Henning

INCA Gathering Coordinator

inca.community-AT-gmail-DOT-com

515-370-2436