Centered around the release of Julia Freedgood’s new book, “Planning Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems: From Soil to Soil,” this event connects land use planners, farmers, ranchers, policymakers, and others to develop shared planning knowledge to preserve and steward working lands. Participants will hear from the author and local experts, engage in activities to gain practical experience, and network with peers from throughout the region.

American Farmland Trust Idaho Program and Idaho Smart Growth invite your attendance of this workshop on Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 at Peaceful Belly Farm. Josie and Clay Erskine, and their farm, have been a cornerstone of the Treasure Valley food system for over 30 years. In addition to having Julia Freedgood as our keynote speaker, we will be hearing stories and experiences from three leaders here in Idaho.

Ariel Agenbroad is the University of Idaho Area Extension Educator across six counties in southwestern Idaho with an emphasis on Community Food Systems & Small Farms. Ariel leads statewide efforts in on-farm produce safety, farm to early care and education, outreach to military veteran producers, and farmers markets.

Mary Huff is the Planning Director for Owyhee County. Mary is a champion of land use planning that protects and enhances the agricultural economy of the county including the implementation of an Agricultural Zone that protects large scale working landscapes from residential development and other conflicting land uses.

Amy Mattias is the Executive Director of Sun Valley Institute for Resilience. Amy has created and delivered multiple programs that have significantly improved food system resiliency in the Wood River Valley and across Idaho.

Following a delicious farm-to-table lunch, we will break into smaller groups to share your current challenges with community resiliency and protecting local food systems, brainstorm ideas on how to plan to meet those challenges, and our team of experts from the morning session will offer feedback and guidance on how to turn those ideas into long-term solutions.

We will close our day with a networking social hosted by our friends at FARE Idaho including more goodness from the farm.

This workshop is for all food system stakeholders including farmers, ranchers, regional food market owners/operators, food and beverage producers, agritourism business owners, community planners and commissioners, and agricultural economic development advocates. Attendance is limited to 50 seats so purchase your ticket soon!

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American Farmland Trust was founded in 1980 to save America’s farms and ranches. AFT is the only national agricultural organization that approaches its work in this comprehensive, holistic manner. We recognize the connection between the land, forward-looking farming practices, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. We also recognize the power of combining on-the-ground projects with objective research and effective advocacy.

Idaho Smart Growth brings people together to create great places to live. ISG is a statewide, independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit offering expertise and tools to keep our communities vibrant and our lands healthy. Since 2000, Idaho Smart Growth has collaborated with partners throughout the Gem State to maintain and create great places to live. As the state continues to grow, the urgency of smart growth and the desire to preserve and enhance quality of life here becomes more apparent. Idaho Smart Growth offers a range of programs to help make communities more attractive, economically stronger, and safer for everyone, and it depends on the generous support and community spirit of volunteers and donors to pursue its mission.