PFI Annual Conference
Jan. 24-25, Ames
The 2003 Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) Annual Conference features two-days of important information and fun.  Held at the Hotel at Gateway Center, this year's event features a Friday afternoon slate of in-depth workshops (see below) followed by book readings and live music. Saturday's highlight will be a keynote panel, "Growing Our Markets, Maintaining Our Values," featuring Michael Rozyne, managing director and founder of Red Tomato, and Rick Schnieders, president and C.E.O. of SYSCO Corporation.  Red Tomato, based in Canton, Mass., is non-profit broker of sustainably raised fruits and vegetables. Schnieders, as head of the nation's largest distributor to food service operators, is working to add sustainable products to his company's offerings. Three tiers of one-hour-plus workshops will be offered Saturday as well. Session topics include alternative nitrogen management, Slow Food and renewable energy. Visit <http://www.pfi.iastate.edu/Calendar/upcoming_events.htm> or contact Sandra Trca-Black at 515/232-5661 ext. 101, or <[log in to unmask]>.
Submitted by Todd Kimm and Laura Miller


Local Food Marketing Workshop
Jan. 24, Ames
Farmers interested in selling produce to hotels, food services, and hospital and school cafeterias are invited to a one-day marketing workshop at the Gateway Center in Ames. Guest speakers include Michael Rozyne of the Massachusetts-based Red Tomato, a non-profit broker of sustainably raised fruits and vegetable; and Rink DaVee of the Homegrown Wisconsin farmer cooperative. The workshop, Institutional Markets: Supply Chain Development and Risk Management Strategies, will run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is one of several activities part of the Practical Farmers of Iowa annual conference Jan. 24-25. Other workshop sponsors are the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the Risk Management Agency of the USDA, and Iowa State University Extension. Cost of the workshop, which includes lunch, is $15 if paid before January 10. Non-PFI members must pay an additional $25, which includes a one-year membership.  Contact Sandra Trca-Black at 515/232-5661, ext. 101 or <[log in to unmask]>, or visit <http://www.pfi.iastate.edu/Calendar/upcoming_events.htm>.
Submitted by Laura Miller


Food Resource Guide: I Want More Say in My Food Choices!
This simple guide offers web sites and contact information for organizations that support local food systems and/or local food directories. A printable version can be downloaded at the Leopold Center web site <http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/pdfs/food_resource_guide.pdf>.


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