This one day conference will bring together producers, distributors, organizations working with both, agricultural economic development staff, local policymakers, and others, from the National Capital and the Mid-Atlantic Region. The purpose is to develop a common understanding of the opportunities and challenges for getting more local (and regional) food to market, with an eye toward wholesale market development.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) recognizes the value of agriculture in and around the region, including the large number of small farmers working to meet the growing demand for local, sustainably produced food. Maintaining and enhancing strong direct-to-consumer markets is essential, however, to increase consumption of local food, so too is the development of wholesale markets.
Expected outcomes from this event are:
- New business contacts.
- Identification of high-level infrastructure, distribution challenges and opportunities for improved efficiency.
- Determining interest in developing an ongoing forum or working group to address food distribution concerns. Could such a group, help local food businesses and organizations increase profitability and support local small and medium-size farmers?