Our Policy Priority Working Groups, which continue the important work of the Environmental Impact, Food Economy, and Food Education Working Groups in past years, connect community partners in virtual learning opportunities and in-person site visits to advance our understanding of issues and pursuit of policy change. Topics evolve over time to align with our current organizational Policy Priorities. All meetings are open to the public; pre-registration is required. Each working group meets bi-monthly, alternating virtual meetings featuring panel presentations, subject matter expert speakers, and facilitated discussion with visits to sites across the region showcasing real-life examples of the focus policy issue in action.
Equitable & Affordable Land Access for Food Production:
Increased Local Food Procurement:
Apr 23
Join this speed-dating style mixer on Zoom and meet other entrepreneurs in Montgomery County (though all are welcome)!
Apr 25
Join us on Thursday, April 25th, 11am-12pm, for a meeting of the Equitable Land Access Working Group. We will be discussing the potential of farm incubator and community programming in the County, where beginning farmers are given the land, tools, and support they need to flourish. Additionally, we will learn about farmland preservation efforts in the County, and learn about USDA's recent initiatives and opportunities to promote local and regional food systems. We plan to have a lively discussion to learn more, and to connect to and fuel the momentum of these exciting efforts.
Apr 30
Join our local food procurement working group on April 30th at 11am-12:30pm. During this meeting we will hear from local retailers, Troy Sexton, Category Manager at Common Market and Mike Leveille, Fresh Category Manager at Common Market as they share industry insider knowledge on what retailers are looking for in a product when stocking shelves. You do not want to miss this! We will also go over sell sheet examples and share a template for local businesses to make their own. We hope to see you there!