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We Advocate for Independents
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Wow, what a year it has been! Looking back on 2023, we are so proud of all of the incredible things that FARE Idaho has accomplished. It has been a year of learning, growth and lots of new opportunities. We can't wait to see what 2024 has in store. There is so much gratitude for all of the food and beverage businesses that we get the privilege to engage with on a daily basis. We are so blessed to be working with such incredible humans that go above and beyond to keep food and beverages on our tables. So most importantly, thank you for all that you do for our communities and your part in making the world a better place.
In 2023, FARE Idaho:
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Celebrated our third anniversary!
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Grew to over 400 members in 3 years
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Became an Idaho state co-lead in partnership with University of Idaho in the USDA Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center grant program that will help small-and medium-scale food producers in six Western states sell their products into local and regional food systems
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Worked with local liquor license holders to oppose SB 1120 that limits the transferability of liquor licenses. FARE Idaho is actively engaged in conversations in the upcoming legislative session
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Created the Field to Fork Exchange to connect Idaho buyers and retailers
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Held our second annual Cocktails for a Cause statewide fundraising event in partnership with 44° North® Vodka, featuring over 30 unique cocktails created by Idaho establishments
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Welcomed our new board president, Rocci Johnson
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Hosted Statewide Roundtables covering topics such as the Employee Retention Tax Credit, Livestock Processing, Climate Smart Commodities, Liquor License Legislation changes, and the Transition to Organic Partnership Program
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Traveled to Washington DC to speak at the National Agricultural Marketing Summit
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Held the first ever Field to Fork Festival, an interactive trade fair that brought together over 600 independent food and beverage industry professionals from throughout Idaho
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Received the Farmers Market Promotion Program Grant that will allow FARE to implement strategies for building local food supply chains in Idaho, offer marketing assistance for farmers, and connect Idaho producers with Idaho buyers and consumers
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Hosted the sold out Cooking with Lamb: From Butchering to Plate class in partnership with Sun Valley Culinary Institute, University of Idaho and Trailing of the Sheep Festival
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Traveled across Idaho visiting our members
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Realized that FARE Idaho is potentially the only nonprofit trade association in the United States structured around the local food system
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You don't want to miss Harvest and Hearth, taking place February 9 & 10 at The Riverside Hotel and Peaceful Belly Farm
Harvest and Hearth brings together local producers for a full day of agricultural education and connection. This conservation-focused conference includes presentations on livestock, crop production, farmstead management, business, and our connection with the community and ecosystem around us. Join local and regional farmer and ranchers, scientists and agency officials, and community members as they share their expertise and experiences.
This year's keynote speaker is Douglas Tallamy, author of Nature's Best Hope.
Registration: $150 - includes keynote, lunch, and presentations on Friday, February 9, 2024. Early bird registration: $125 - available until December 22, 2023
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A Message From Our Friends at Regenerate America
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In 2023, Regenerate America made a big impact on food and ag policy, amplifying the call of thousands of farmers and citizens from around the country who are demanding a healthier, more regenerative future for all Americans.
FARE Idaho is proud to be partnered with Regenerate America and we want to celebrate the accomplishments of the last year with this hopeful message.
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You won’t want to miss out on these panel discussions led by Idaho business owners and professionals taking place at the Field to Fork Festival in downtown Boise on January 18! Engage in informative conversations and expand your knowledge while connecting with your community. These panels are free and open to the public. Register today!
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Innovative Water Usage in the West
Idaho producers discuss their successful, innovative water-wise projects on their operations, and offer advice on how others can implement similar projects, thanks to a grant from the LOR Foundation. This discussion is for anyone interested in ways that we can move the needle in terms of conservation in the West specific to water use. 12:00 PM
Moderators: Daniel Read, Research Analyst, The LOR Foundation, Maureen Pepper, State Water Quality Specialist/Idaho TSP Coordinator, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
Panelists: Brooke Bonner, Drinkers of the Wind farm, Valerie + Alex Timm, Vista Farms, Wilder Jones, Wilder Spaces farm, Russell Schiermeier, Bruneau, Idaho farm, Susan Jacobson, Big Canyon Acres
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Coffee Talk: Your Business, Your Community
Any roaster who owns a coffee shop knows that your pioneering spirit can sometimes be the only thing that carries you through the tough days. Join FARE Idaho members as they discuss how their ethos shines through in their operations, the challenges and successes that have shaped their businesses and how the coffee community keeps their cup full. 1:00 PM
Moderator: Matt Bishop, Founder + Co-Founder of Café Mulé + Iron Mule, Inc.
Panelists: Scott Seward, Form + Function, The District Coffee House, Randy Evans, Evans Brothers Coffee, Chloe Hanson, Flying M Coffee House, Chris Harrison, DOMA Coffee Roasting Company, Aaron Nelson, Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters, Grant Shealy, neckar coffee
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Connecting Local Producers to Buyers
Connecting producers of and buyers for Idaho products is the goal of many initiatives across the state. Join us for an engaging talk to help identify practical action steps stakeholders can take to ensure the food grown, raised, and processed in Idaho stays in Idaho. We’ll explore different supply chains, networking opportunities and how to simplify the sourcing process. 2:00 PM
Moderator: Colette DePhelps, Community Food Systems Extension Coordinator, University of Idaho
Panelists: Andrea Surmeier, Idaho Harvest Supply, Tobe Finch, Happy Day Restaurants, Nate Jones, King’s Crown Organics, Brad McIntyre, McIntyre Family Farms, Bob Howard, Desert Mountain Grass Fed Beef, Matt Fuxan, Charlie's Produce
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SB 1120: Legislative Impacts and the Future of Idaho Liquor Licenses
With the passing of SB1120 during the 2023 legislative session, many liquor license holders across the state of Idaho were impacted. What were the consequences of SB1120? How can license holders move forward in the midst of this legislation? This discussion will focus on the implications of this new law. 3:00 PM
Moderator: Brian Ballard, Partner, Hawley Troxell
Panelists: Dave Krick, Just Eat Local, Chad Johnson, The Reef and The BrickYard, Roger Batt, Consultant, Association Management Group, Mel Dick, 219 Lounge
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Enjoying our newsletter but not yet a FARE Idaho member? Membership helps support our work and gives you access to lots of great member benefits. Join us today!
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Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors!
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Listen to the FARE Idaho Playlist
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