Purdue Extension and others are teaming up to host the Columbus Area Local Food Summit next month.

Kris Medic, with the Purdue Cooperative Extension Office in Bartholomew County, cites a report from the U.S. Congress that states that sales of local food in 2012 were an estimated $6.1 billion in the U.S. alone. From 2007 to 2012, over 3,600 Indiana farmers reported a 20-percent increase in direct sales to consumers.

The Extension Office says that in addition to economic benefits, a well-developed local food economy helps to conserve agricultural land, keeps farmers farming, brings new farmers into an aging workforce, and creates jobs.

Organizers say that this is the second Columbus Area Food Summit. Its goal is to continue to foster networks of growers and buyers, as well as pursue local food action steps that seek these and other benefits.

This event is scheduled for Feb. 22 at Donner Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organizers say that a locally-sourced lunch will be provided by Cummins Corporate Hospitality. If you would like to attend, you can register here.