Local Food Council Meeting: You're Invited; Agenda Posted

If you're looking to share your ideas about the importance of local foods or just want more information, you may want to attend the first meeting of the new N.C. Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council on Tuesday, Feb. 2, in the Martin Building at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The meeting, from 2-4 pm, is open to the public, and N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler invites anyone interested in local food to attend.

The first meeting is largely organizational, but the agenda includes a discussion of N.C. highlights, thoughts from farmer John Vollmer of Vollmer Farm, a needs assessment and strategic planning for Farm to Fork.

Troxler said the new council is focused on four subjects: health and wellness, hunger and food access, economic development, and preservation of farmlands and water resources. In his blog he said, "North Carolina agriculture makes many positive contributions to the state’s economy and environmental quality. Agriculture creates jobs, preserves open space and provides our citizens with nutritious food. I’m looking forward to this council going to work to benefit North Carolina by expanding our local food economy."

Visit the council's new web site for information on its members and its work.