Join us for a day of networking and education about the most current topics in direct marketing.  Gather with local food advocates from across the region including farmers, retailers, restaurateurs, specialty food producers, distributors, farmers' market staff and economic development practitioners. 

The Farm to Market Connection is the perfect way to get the growing season off to the right start! 

Dozens of past attendees have told us about lasting business connections they have made as a result of attending.  Buyers of all scales will be present from local retailers to regional distributors.  Educational topics will suit the interest of vegetable, livestock and dairy producers.  

Featured speakers and workshop leaders will share perspectives from both the metropolitan and upstate marketplaces.

Confirmed speakers include:

Rob Dougherty, Sullivan County Farms

Sara Grady, Glynwood Center & Hudson Valley Cider Route

Joel Elder, Tuthilltown Spirits

Erin Fairbanks, No Goat Left Behind & Heritage Radio Network

Lissa Harris and Julia Reischel, Watershed Post
Nicole Day, the Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship

Larry Althiser, Larry's Custom Meats

Dennis Derryck, Corbin Hill Farm


New elements of this year's event include a Food Hub Listening Session and curbside consulting.  During the curbside consulting session, guidance on business and marketing topics will be offered through one-on-one sessions on a dozen topics with regional specialists.

Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress is starting a project to research and develop food distribution infrastructure, such as food hubs, to help farmers bring their products to market.  Input from farmers, wholesale and retail businesses and others along the food value chain will be critical.  During the Food Hub listening session, participants will share their challenges in food distribution, infrastructure resources and needs in the region, and opportunities for collaboration or other improvements.

Early Bird Cookery will prepare a delicious local luncheon.

Check out this video from last year's event!

FarmToMarket-FINAL-2.wmv

Prefer to pay by check?  Please send a check for $25 per registrant, made out to "WAC" and mailed to 44 West Street/Walton, NY 13856.