Farm to Fork Summit & Expo

Farmers and food businesses make valuable connections here! Plan to join us for workshops, demonstrations, and a locally sourced lunch

Farm to Fork Summit & Expo

Join leaders from across the food supply chain at the 2026 Farm to Fork Summit—designed with food producers in mind, whether they are just getting started, looking to diversify, or ready to strengthen and scale their operation. The event offers practical strategies, shared learning, and meaningful connections to support food and farm businesses serving local and regional food markets.

This summit is designed for farmers, food entrepreneurs, and industry professionals looking to:

  • Connect with buyers and sellers across the region
  • Gain practical, relevant education tailored to farm and food enterprises
  • Find fresh inspiration through networking and success stories

📅 2026 - Friday, March 6 | 9 AM – 4 PM
Workshops • Lunch • Booths • Networking

📍 Location:
Nevada Community Center
200 N Ash St, Nevada, MO 64772

From Food as Medicine to Farm-Level Strategy

The 2026 Farm to Fork event will open with a keynote presentation about new opportunities for locally produced food in healthcare. National speaker Erin Martin, co-founder and CEO of FreshRx Oklahoma, will discuss Building Healthy Futures with Food as Medicine. She will explore how fresh, locally produced food can improve health outcomes while also creating new opportunities for farmers and ranchers.  

After the keynote presentation, attendees will choose from a wide range of breakout sessions on topics that include:

  • Building and expanding direct-to-consumer sales
  • Diversifying operations with sheep and goats
  • Regenerative agriculture farm design
  • Navigating USDA programs
  • Understanding cottage food laws in Missouri and Kansas
  • Going wholesale with regenerative agriculture products
  • Using on-farm events and agritourism to reach new customers
  • Strengthening food access through food hubs and farm stops

Exhibitors at Farm to Fork also provide information about valuable programs and products.  

Farm to Fork offers both practical tools and big-picture perspective to help farmers and food business owners adapt, innovate, and increase their resilience in a changing agricultural and economic landscape.

Not Your Typical Lunch

One of the most anticipated features of Farm to Fork is a hearty scratch-cooked lunch made with a surprising variety of fresh and locally sourced ingredients available in late winter, well before most spring planting.  

The Kitchen Collective + Collaborative of Fort Scott, Kansas, will cater the local food meal at the 2026 Farm to Fork event using ingredients it sources from nearby farm and food businesses. Working with this team reinforces the Farm to Fork mission of building strong, connected regional food economies. The organization provides certified commercial kitchen access, equipment, and support for food entrepreneurs.  

Visit newgrowthmo.org/farmtofork for event details, including ticket information and limited-time scholarship opportunities for farm businesses.  

Today's food typically has to travel thousands of miles to reach our plates. The Farm to Fork Summit seeks to bring farmers, distributors, food buyers, and relevant stakeholders together to encourage the connections needed to create a more resilient local food supply so that getting locally produced food on our menus, in our schools, and in our local and larger markets nearby can help us build economic growth and strengthen community bonds.

It’s part of making sure everyone in our communities eats and lives well!

Incredible Speakers Scheduled!

From Food as Medicine keynote to practical help with food laws and how-to's, this is a Farm to Fork Summit you don't want to miss!

See Farm to Fork event details including information on tickets, agenda, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsorships at https://www.newgrowthmo.org/farmtofork