Network + Influence: State Policy Discussion Added to Local Food Event

We are thrilled to announce a significant expansion to our Annual Local Food Networking Event in Northeast Indiana. This year, in addition to our invaluable opportunities for farmers, producers, buyers, sellers, and advocates to forge collaborations that strengthen our local food system, we are adding a crucial Community Listening Session with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA).

• Date: Tuesday, January, 27, 2026

• Duration: 1:00pm - 4:00pm

• Agenda: Networking begins at 1:00pm, continuing until the ISDA session begins at 2:00 PM, with further networking available afterward.

• Location: Ivy Tech, Fort Wayne, CC1640 Event Center

This vital session is a direct response to Governor Braun’s Executive Order 25-58: Making Indiana Healthy Again by Increasing Hoosier Access to Local Foods. In order to actively study the current landscape, ISDA is delving into the strengths and challenges within Indiana’s local food system and developing strategies to increase Hoosiers' fresh local food access. This listening session provides a unique opportunity for individuals across the local food sector to directly inform the future policies and programs that will grow local food in Indiana.

This annual networking event is a great place to connect with:

• Sellers of locally sourced food products

• Buyers of local foods or products that use local ingredients

• Organizations that support and advocate for local foods in our communities

Information Table: Bring your business card and/or a brochure about your business or organization to share with all the Local Food Networking participants.

We encourage everyone involved in the local food system, including farmers, producers, buyers, distributors, restaurateurs, and community advocates, to attend this FREE event. Your participation in both the networking opportunities and the critical listening session is vital for fostering collaborations and ensuring Northeast Indiana's needs are well-represented in state-level discussions. Refreshments and free parking will be provided.

While registration is available at the door, we strongly encourage signing up in advance to guarantee faster check-in and to include your contact information on the event's Networking List.

We are grateful to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and FARMWISE Indiana for their partnership of this event. 

Questions? Contact Karen Petersen, the Executive Director of the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network at Karen@neifood.org or (919)291-1421.