Virginia Cooperative Extension in partnership with Field to Friends, The Reynolds Homestead, and Virginia FAIRS will host the 2012 Local Foods Network: Taking the Product to Market on Thursday, October 18, 2012, at theSpencer Penn Centre in Spencer, Virginia.

Conference registration is $18 and includes lunch and conference materials. To register, call Lisa Martin at the Reynolds Homestead 276.694.7181 ext 22 or e-mail her at martinlm@vt.edu Registration checks should be made payable to Treasurer of Virginia Tech and mailed to Reynolds Homestead; 463 Homestead Lane; Critz, VA 24082. All registrations must be received by Friday, October 12. This conference features an array of speakers (see the attached program), including · Gordon Groover, Extension Economist Farm Management; · Karleigh Bacon, Virginia Tech Food Sciences Department, Jim Matson with Matson Consulting; Lisa Fulz, Martinsville Henry County Economic Development; ·Leah Manning, West Piedmont Planning District, and · Matt Mattox, The Martin Agency. In addition, a panel of farmers will share their story on how they moved their products from the farm to the consumer. The panel includes Jessica Sturm, Bob Tuggle, and Donnie Montgomery. Each will inspire and challenge all local food system stakeholders to examine the successes and challenges of moving their products from the field to the consumer. Please help us publicize the conference by sharing the flier with your local farmers and others engaged in developing local food systems. Many thanksMartha Martha A. Walker, Ph.D.Community Viability Specialist Virginia Cooperative Extension 150B Slayton Avenue, Suite 112D Danville, VA 24540 Telephone 434.766.6761 - Fax 434.766.6763 walker53@vt.eduCell 434.709.1084