Event aims to connect farmers, grocers, chefs and restaurant owners

The Arkansas Grown Program will host a “Local Conversation” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 31 in Hope, Ark., to bring together local farmers, chefs, grocers and market managers.

The event will be held in the Hempstead Hall, at 2500 S. Main St. in Hope.

“This event creates connections for local farmers and producers with the buying community of grocery store managers, chefs, restaurateurs and other consumers,” said spokeswoman Adriana Barnes.

The Arkansas Agriculture Department has joined with the Arkansas Hospitality Association to emphasize the relationship between agriculture and tourism, the state’s two leading industries, Barnes said.

An agricultural tourism panel will be a part of each program with samples of locally grown produce.

“The goal of Local Conversations will be to provide networking opportunities for all guests, to spark ideas for making it simpler to provide locally grown food to consumers, and to provide updates on agricultural tourism trends and tips for 2017,” Barnes said.

“These collaborative events help us to bring together farmers, producers, consumers, retailers, and leaders to learn from each other so that consumers ultimately have more access to locally produced foods and products. We hope that attendees leave with new contacts, ideas, and options for buying and selling locally,” Arkansas Agriculture Secretary Wes Ward said.

Events are free, but space is limited. Guests will be included on a first-come, first-serve basis. Attendees should send an RSVP of attendance for Local Conversations events in each region to Rachael Tucker at rachael.tucker@aad.ar.gov, or call 501- 683-4851.