Registration for the sixth annual Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit (KYLSS) is now open. Scheduled for March 20, the program is led by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment Food Connection in collaboration with the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. 

The KYLSS event allows participants to engage in a full day of workshops, networking and critical conversations about local food systems development. A special early-bird registration is available until Jan. 15. 

“The summit provides our local food system stakeholders with an opportunity for learning, networking and forging new partnership,” said Food Connection director Ashton Potter Wright. “The Food Connection is thrilled to host this annual event as a part of our mission in cultivating a vibrant local food ecosystem in Kentucky.” 

This year’s summit is structured around three primary session tracks: “Cultivating Equity and Access,” “Uplifting Voices and Catalyzing Change” and “Lessons From the Field.” Each track addresses key challenges and opportunities facing the local food movement. 

Morning sessions feature discussions on diversifying customer bases in local food markets, ideas to enact cultural and systems-level changes and local schools’ food programs.  

Afternoon session topics range from institutionalizing cultural and systemic change in the local food movement to the financial and community impacts of U.S. Department of Agriculture grants, including the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools programs. A popular, local chef will also present insights about her journey in building a restaurant group centered around local food procurement.  

There will be two keynote conversations. The first is a panel discussion exploring how to align food as medicine efforts with local agriculture. The second is a conversation with award-winning author Crystal Wilkison and eight-time James Beard Nominated Chef Ouita Michel on exploring Kentucky foodways.  

The summit qualifies for Kentucky Extension Reporting System credits for UK Cooperative Extension Service participants.  

Registration is 8 – 9 a.m. ET. Morning sessions begin at 10:45 with afternoon sessions from 2:15 – 3:45, concluding with networking reception. Early bird registration is $75 per person. After Jan. 15, registration is $95 per person. Scholarships are available as needed. 

To register and view the full agenda, visit https://foodconnection.ca.uky.edu/kentucky-local-food-systems-summit.

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The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.