The Purdue Cooperative Extension office in Bartholomew County and other local groups are organizing a local food summit for next month.

According to organizers, a well-developed local food economy helps to conserve agricultural land, keeps farmers farming, brings new farmers into an aging workforce, and creates jobs. The goals of this, the second local food summit, is to bring together networks of buyers and growers to help achieve those benefits.

Kris Medic, with the extension office, provided statistics showing that in Indiana, nearly 1,000 farms are selling locally to restaurants, grocers and institutional buyers.

The second local food summit is being held from 9 to 3 on Wednesday February 22nd. at Donner Center. Registration is free and a locally sourced lunch will be provided. You can register here.